TITLE: Belgium's Gaming Commission Implements Electronic Player Identification System Requirements for Bookshops
BODY:
On March 2, 2026, Belgium's Gaming Commission (Commission des jeux de hasard) published an update clarifying the implementation of the Electronic Player Identification System (EPIS) for Class F2 licensed bookshops. The update supersedes previous guidance issued on November 25, 2025, and addresses operator questions regarding technical requirements and compliance procedures.
From May 1, 2026, bookshops holding Class F2 licences must integrate EPIS to conduct player identification, age verification, and EPIS checks before allowing betting activities. The system operates on-device through an identification module where players insert their identity documents. Permitted identification methods include Belgian electronic identity cards, electronic residence permits, electronically chipped foreign identity cards, and special electronic identity cards issued to diplomatic and consular personnel. Manual identification procedures are prohibited; all checks must be automated. Players must complete identification and verification before accessing betting options, placing bets, viewing betting possibilities, composing combined bets, modifying active bets, or requesting withdrawals. However, identification is not required for cashing existing winning tickets. Gaming sessions remain valid while the identification document remains inserted; removal terminates the session.
The identification module must be certified by an accredited body before installation. Bookshop operators may use an operator card only when EPIS is unavailable due to technical issues beyond their control, after confirming an EPIS health check failure. The Gaming Commission will provide unique login credentials for each bookshop; test credentials became available mid-February 2026, with production credentials available from early March 2026. The Commission has published technical guidelines to facilitate certification without imposing additional binding requirements beyond legal obligations.