Testing the new EPIS measures
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7 Apr 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes From 1ᵉʳ May 2025, Belgium will strengthen the regulation of gambling by reforming the EPIS system, which lists excluded players. This update aims to ensure compliance with the RGPD, improve personal data protection and simplify the procedures for operators. The Gambling Commission will introduce new REST-based EPIS services from 23 April, with a test phase underway from 1ᵉʳ April 2025. Operators will have to phase out the SOAP protocol by January 2026 and adapt their infrastructure accordingly. Technical manuals are already available to support this transition.
From 1ᵉʳ May 2025, Belgium will introduce significant changes to the regulation of gambling, in particular concerning the EPIS list (Excluded Persons Information System). These adjustments are intended to strengthen player protection and simplify operators’ administrative obligations. A test phase for these measures began on 1ᵉʳ April.
RGPD compliance: a necessary update
The EPIS system, which has been in place since 2004, lists players banned from authorised gambling establishments and online platforms. It includes voluntary, judicial and administrative bans. From 1ᵉʳ May 2025, the rules for managing personal data within EPIS will be adapted to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring greater transparency and protection of registered players’ information.
EPIS services update: Transition to REST
The Commission des Jeux de Hasard (CJH) plans to implement new versions of EPIS services, effective from 23 April 2025, improving communication between operators’ systems and the EPIS database.
Transition timetable :
- 23 April 2025: REST and SOAP versions 2025.1 go live.
- 1ᵉʳ May 2025: End of compatibility with older 2002.1 REST and SOAP versions.
- 1ᵉʳ January 2026: Final end of SOAP support; operators will be required to use REST.
Online and land-based casinos must.
- Check the version (SOAP or REST) currently in use.
- Prepare their infrastructure for the upgrade before May 2025.
- Anticipate the removal of SOAP in 2026 by migrating to REST as soon as possible.
Access to technical manuals and test phase
To facilitate this transition, the CJH made EPIS technical manuals available on its SharePoint security portal from 1ᵉʳ March 2025. A test phase of the new applications began on 1ᵉʳ April 2025, allowing operators to ensure that their systems are compatible before the official entry into force.