EPIS vs Cruks: how Belgium and the Netherlands tackle gambling addiction
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10 Feb 2026 •
Reading time: 2 minutes Belgium and the Netherlands are actively combating gambling addiction, and one of the tools available to gamblers is the EPIS system and the Cruks register respectively. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between these two systems.
The EPIS system
In Belgium, we have been using the EPIS system, also known as the EPIS list, since 2004. This is a centralised list of all excluded players. Anyone on this list is banned from all casino games and sports betting, whether physical or online.
At the entrance to casinos, in press shops, on online sites and even in gaming applications, visitors are subject to systematic access controls.
Two types of people are included on the EPIS list: gamblers who need a break and people who are automatically excluded because of their profession, a request from a relative or a court ruling.
In order to guarantee the proper operation of this list, which is only respected by legal casinos. The Gaming Commission also keeps a list of illegal gambling sites. The purpose of this blacklist is to prevent players from accessing illegal and unsupervised gambling sites. The sites on this list are generally blocked directly by Internet service providers.
The Cruks register
In the Netherlands, Cruks (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen) is the cornerstone of the Dutch policy to exclude problem gamblers. Gamblers can register voluntarily or be excluded through the intervention of their family or a carer. In theory, this protects them. In practice, some people are actively looking for ways around this system, often with the help of illegal operators.
Anyone aged 18 or over can register online at the Kansspelautoriteit website. The exclusion takes effect immediately and applies to all legal service providers for at least 1 year. Thereafter, the person may choose to withdraw from the list or extend the ban on gambling.
Gambling operators are required to check each player in Cruks. If a person appears on the register, they must be refused access to the casino.
The system is therefore similar to the Belgian system, apart from a few details.
Prevention is not a luxury, but a necessity
To reduce gambling addiction, prevention is essential, which is why Belgian and Dutch casinos have introduced various responsible gambling tools.
The EPIS system and the Cruks register are one of these tools, but not the only one. Most casinos also offer self-exclusion for short periods ranging from 24 hours to a few months and support with a person trained in responsible gambling.