The blacklist “EPIS list” for gamblers
What does “EPIS” stand for? This stands for “Excluded Persons Information System”. This EPIS list was created as a government tool (an electronic database) that lists all excluded players. If you are on this list, you are excluded by the Gaming Commission from playing in physical and/or online casinos, slot machine arcades and betting offices.
How does the system work?
Whether you play online or in a physical location:
Before you participate in games of chance, you will always have to register with your personal information. Upon arrival, your identity card will be used to check whether you are on the EPIS list. If yes, access will be denied.
But make no mistake. This is not a one-time thing. Checks take place at every entry/login.
The only place where no EPIS system is currently active is in the café games. Due to the technical limitation on the devices that cannot be connected to the internet, it is not possible to check whether you are not on the blacklist of the Gaming Commission.
Who is on the EPIS list?
- Players who volunteer to be banned from entering.
- Persons who practice certain professions with a social responsibility, such as: Magistrate, Notary, Bailiffs or members of the police force. These are often professions that are at increased risk of blackmail in the event of potential financial problems.
- Persons who were involuntarily given up by the judge.
- Persons who were involuntarily reported by third parties.
It is of course a criminal offense to try to circumvent this list. In addition, payment will simply be refused in the event of incorrect information. So it’s definitely not a smart idea to even try this.
How can you be placed on the EPIS list?
The method of registering on the EPIS list has been simplified as much as possible, to allow players to register very easily. You can do this on the website of the Gaming Commission, via an electronic form, with your identity card and a card reader or with Itsme.
If a friend or family member gambles too much and you want to protect them by putting them on the list, what should you do?
This procedure is longer and a little more complex, but still possible. To do this you will need to use the exclusion form for another person and send it to the Gaming Commission.
How do you get off the EPIS list again?
1. For persons who have signed up voluntarily
You then send a letter with your application, signed and registered, to the Gaming Commission. You should also include a copy of the front and back of your identity card. After a waiting period of 3 months, you will have access to physical/online casinos, slot machines and betting offices again.
2. For people with a profession with social responsibility
You can have this canceled by your previous personnel department as soon as you no longer work in one of these sectors. The Gaming Commission cannot adjust this itself.
3. For persons who were involuntarily given up by the judge
In this case it depends on the verdict.
4. For persons who were involuntarily given up by third parties
You send your request by a signed letter to the Gaming Commission, indicating the reasons why the access ban must be lifted.
You can only submit a termination request after at least one year. Thorough motivation (including evidence) is required. You must be able to prove that you have no debt, that you are in control of what you spend on gambling, and that you view it as relaxation.
Of course, this list only applies to legal providers, that is to say physical casinos and online casinos which have the necessary license and are affiliated with EPIS.
Remember that online gambling is only legal through official providers. And it is not wise to visit unlicensed websites. They work illegally and will make no effort to combat possible gambling problems. Respect the EPIS list for yourself and/or others if ever necessary.