The Belgian Gaming Commission has announced new changes, effective as of 1 May 2026, that will require retail newsagents providing gambling services to perform enhanced checks on players.
These newly introduced checks will now be carried out via a new identification module device - no required by all retail gaming-providing newsagents. Included as part of the new required verifications are new Excluded Persons Information System (EPIS) checks, alongside age verification and identification inspections from retail newsagents, with players required to enter their documents into the module device.
Accepted documents as part of this new system will be limited exclusively to; Belgian electronic identity cards, an electronic residence permit or registration certificate, a foreign identity card with a chip and any special electronic identity cards. Indeed, these requirements will also apply to non-local players wishing to wager in Belgium - with all players required to undergo this identification procedure every time they play at a retail newsagents outlet.
During the process of incepting this new law, the Gaming Commission engaged in active discussions with Belgian operators - analysing their respective suggestions. As such, these changes will be required by all F2 licence-holding retailers in Belgium as of next Q2.
This latest update comes following a similar enhancement in 2022 which saw the commission order the expansion of EPIS coverage to betting shops as part of a wider player protection push in the nation. More recently, in late 2024, the Belgian Gaming Commission also introduced new, stricter sports sponsorship regulations under its updated Gambling Act, prohibiting advertising at sports venues.
Additionally, during Q3 2025, six new Gaming Commission members were announced in the nation - with each now set to serve a six-year term across various roles.
A similar enhancement in 2022 saw the commission order the expansion of EPIS coverage to betting shops as part of a wider player protection push in the nation
