Gambling operators in Germany are now bracing themselves for the implementation of a new law that could shutter their businesses by next year.

Euractiv reported that many gaming halls and casinos in Germany will risk losing their licenses as German regulators will implement stricter gambling rules in January 2017 and the transitional period of a law enacted in 2012 finally expires.

There has long been uncertainty in the German gambling sector since the European Court of Justice declared that the country’s previous regulations did not comply with the European Union law. Those who are going to be affected by the implementation of the new gambling rules are the arcade businesses.

“Our entrepreneurs have not had the chance to adapt to the situation, because they are largely uncertain whether they are going to even be able to continue running their operations or employing people,” Georg Stecker, the German gaming industry board’s spokesperson, said.