Last Friday, the Federal Council of Ministers of Belgium approved the amendment to the gambling law. Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne's preliminary bill included the introduction of mandatory electronic identity checks at newsstand slot machines.
Following the approval of the Federal Council of Ministers, all Belgian newsagents will soon have to install a mandatory identity check on their slot machines. Minors and players registered with EPIS, the Belgian register of exclusions, will be banned from slot machines.
“This is an important step in the fight against gambling addiction – said the minister. We will no longer tolerate unbridled financial gain at the expense of people with addiction.”
Melissa Depraetere, leader of the Vooruit parliamentary faction, also commented on the news:
“Even today, people with gambling addictions or in debt can no longer play in a casino, but they can still bet in the newsagent next door. Some good news is that the Government has given the green light to introduce an EPIS check in all places where bets can be placed.”
