Best foreign casino without ANJ license 2026: Top reliable sites and exclusive bonuses

Wildzy is the best foreign casino without an ANJ license in 2026. It offers a 600% bonus up to €10,000 and instant withdrawals. Mad Casino follows closely with a 20% wager-free cashback. These platforms operate under Curaçao eGaming or Anjouan Gaming Authority licenses. They allow French players to access slots and live casino games, which are prohibited by the National Gaming Authority, while ensuring security and fast payments via cryptocurrencies like USDT.

Top 5 of the best foreign casinos without ANJ license in 2026

To find the best foreign casino without an ANJ license in 2026, prioritize platforms with instant withdrawals and bonuses without excessive wagering requirements. Our analysis highlights Wildzy for its speed, Mad Casino for its transparent cashback, and alternatives like BinoBet or Winzter that guarantee a smooth gaming experience outside the restrictive French framework.

Wildzy: the leader in instant withdrawals and large bonuses

Wildzy is the current benchmark for French players looking to maximize their starting bankroll. This operator, licensed by Curaçao eGaming, stands out with an exceptional welcome bonus offer reaching 600% up to €10,000. Our tests show that the structure of this bonus allows for rare flexibility, although you should carefully check the wagering requirements to optimize the conversion to real money.

Wildzy's true strength lies in its financial flow management. Unlike the standard 24 to 48-hour delays observed elsewhere, Wildzy offers instant withdrawals, a crucial feature for demanding players. This execution speed, combined with an optimized interface, places Wildzy at the top of our ranking. Although Wildzy is not regulated by the ANJ (National Gaming Authority), its offshore license imposes security standards that we have validated during our test deposits.

Mad Casino and the wager-free cashback offer

Mad Casino takes a different approach by targeting retention rather than a massive initial bonus. The platform offers a 20% wager-free cashback, allowing players to recover a portion of their losses without having to meet complex wagering requirements. This wager-free bonus model is particularly attractive to regular players who prefer transparency over inflated marketing promises.

Mad Casino's offer also includes a welcome bonus of up to €3,000, complementing the cashback advantage. Compared to Wildzy, Mad Casino offers a more stable experience for those playing long-term. The cashback acts as partial insurance, reducing the volatility inherent in slots and table games. This strategy meets a growing demand for fairer gaming conditions, far from the traps of high wagers often imposed by competitors.

BinoBet, Trickz and Kaasino: reliable alternatives

To diversify your experience, BinoBet, Trickz and Kaasino represent solid alternatives, each backed by specific jurisdictions. BinoBet, launched in January 2025, holds a Costa Rican license and offers a catalog of over 4,000 games from 80 providers. Its welcome bonus includes up to €1,500 and 150 Free Spins, attracting newcomers with the variety of its offer.

Trickz, for its part, operates under the Anjouan Gaming Authority. This license, although less well-known than Curaçao's, offers a distinct regulatory framework that allows Trickz to provide generous Free Spins and great gaming freedom. Kaasino, also holding a Costa Rican license, rounds out this trio by offering a robust interface and varied deposit methods. These three platforms illustrate the diversity of offshore regulations available in 2026.

Finally, Winzter deserves a special mention for its stability. Operating under a Costa Rican license as well, Winzter positions itself as a safe bet for players seeking a clean interface and secure transactions. Although less aggressive with bonuses than Wildzy, Winzter offers proven technical reliability, essential for extended gaming sessions. Whether you choose BinoBet for its catalog, Trickz for its Anjouan license, Kaasino for its versatility, or Winzter for its stability, these foreign casinos without an ANJ license offer credible alternatives to the regulated French market.

Reminder: Playing on sites outside the ANJ carries risks. Make sure to manage your budget and consult resources like Joueurs Info Service if necessary.

Understanding offshore licenses: Curaçao, Anjouan, Costa Rica, MGA and Kahnawake

To identify the best foreign casino without an ANJ license in 2026, it is necessary to distinguish between offshore jurisdictions. While the ANJ strictly regulates France, international operators rely on frameworks like Curaçao or Anjouan. These licenses offer gaming freedom absent from the local market, but imply a different legal protection for French players.

Curaçao eGaming: the benchmark of the offshore market

The license issued by Curaçao eGaming remains the most widespread on the online casino market accessible to French residents. Unlike the ANJ License which prohibits slots, this jurisdiction authorizes a complete game library, including slots and live casino.

However, security is not uniform. Although Curaçao eGaming imposes technical standards such as SSL encryption, legal recourse in case of a dispute over a blocked withdrawal remains limited for the player. The regulatory authority does not have the same sanctioning power as the ANJ on French soil. To compensate, reliable sites under this license, such as those operating with a transition to the CGCB, highlight independent RNG audits.

Playing on these platforms exposes you to a legal gray area: you lose the protection of the national regulator. If a conflict arises, the ANJ declares itself incompetent.

Anjouan and Costa Rica: emerging new regulations

The Anjouan Gaming Authority, based in the Comoros, has emerged as a low-cost alternative since 2023, particularly favored by crypto operators. This license offers a lighter regulatory framework than the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), but still requires basic security protocols.

The fundamental difference with a Costa Rican license lies in supervision. Costa Rica accepts the commercial registration of gaming sites but does not conduct any direct regulatory oversight of operations. A casino under a Costa Rican license must therefore strictly hold an additional international license to be credible, as there is no native player protection.

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): the European security standard

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) represents one of the strictest and most respected regulatory frameworks in the world, often considered the gold standard for European licenses outside national jurisdictions. Unlike lighter offshore licenses like Anjouan or Curaçao, the MGA imposes rigorous requirements regarding player protection, anti-money laundering, and the financial solvency of operators.

Casinos holding an MGA license must segregate player funds from the company's operational funds, thereby ensuring that client money is protected in the event of operator bankruptcy. Additionally, the MGA requires the presence of an independent mediator to resolve disputes, offering a much more structured recourse path than that available under Curaçao or Anjouan jurisdictions. License and compliance fees are significant, often exceeding €25,000 per year, which naturally filters out less serious operators.

For the French player, an MGA-licensed casino offers a security level close to that of an ANJ-approved operator, while retaining access to traditional casino games (slots, roulette) prohibited in France. However, it is rare for MGA casinos to actively target the French market without an ANJ license, as they risk losing their European accreditation if they violate local laws. Nevertheless, some hybrid or historical operators maintain this license to reassure their international clientele about the robustness of their technical and financial infrastructure.

Kahnawake Gaming Commission: the North American jurisdiction

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission, operating from the Mohawk territory in Canada, is another historical and respected jurisdiction in the online gaming industry. Established since the late 1990s, it has built its reputation on a pragmatic approach and long-term regulatory stability.

Unlike Curaçao, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission conducts regular audits and imposes high technical standards for gaming software and payment systems. It also offers a dispute resolution mechanism, although it may be complex to exercise for a European player due to geographical distance and legal differences.

Casinos under a Kahnawake license are often perceived as more reliable than those under purely offshore licenses, as the commission maintains an internal blacklist of non-compliant operators and acts quickly in case of justified complaints. For French players seeking an alternative to ANJ sites, a Kahnawake license can serve as a mark of seriousness, particularly for platforms that have existed for over a decade. However, as with the MGA, access to these sites from France may sometimes be restricted by the operators themselves to comply with their license requirements, sometimes necessitating the use of technical solutions like VPNs to access them.

Choosing between Anjouan, the MGA or Kahnawake depends on your risk tolerance: the first prioritizes accessibility and bonuses, the second fund security, and the third historical stability.

Why the ANJ does not authorize online casinos in France

The ANJ (National Gaming Authority) enforces the 2010 Law which restricts the legal offer in France to sports betting, horse racing, and poker. Traditional casino games, such as slots, roulette, or blackjack, are strictly prohibited.

This prohibition aims to protect players against addiction by imposing mandatory deposit limits and access to the self-exclusion register. By bypassing this rule via the best foreign casino without an ANJ license in 2026, you access these prohibited games, but without the state safety net.

Operators under a Curaçao eGaming or Anjouan Gaming Authority license fill this gap by offering internal self-exclusion tools, but these have no legal value in France. It is therefore vital to check the operator's reputation, as in the absence of ANJ supervision, responsibility rests entirely on the reliability of the held offshore license.

Foreign casino bonuses: wager-free, free spins and cashback

To identify the best foreign casino without an ANJ license in 2026, the analysis must go beyond displayed amounts to focus on the real convertibility of winnings. The most relevant offers combine Free Spins on popular slots, weekly Cashback, and, above all, the absence of Wager (wagering requirement) on bonuses. This approach prioritizes immediate fund liquidity over marketing promises inflated by impossible turnover requirements.

Wager-free bonus: play without wagering requirements

The Wager-free bonus represents a major break from traditional practices where winnings were blocked by high wagering requirements. Unlike the classic Welcome Bonus which may impose a 35x wagering requirement, making the withdrawal of winnings theoretically costly, the wager-free bonus allows you to withdraw funds immediately after they are credited. This mechanism directly addresses player frustration, as they often discover too late that their initial bonus requires thousands of euros in wagers before being released.

In our evaluation, Wildzy stands out with an aggressive offer including a 600% bonus, although players should verify whether this specific offer is subject to standard wagering requirements or not. The platform operates under a Curaçao eGaming license, a jurisdiction that allows this commercial flexibility while imposing its own security standards. The main advantage lies in transparency: if a cashback or bonus is labeled "wager-free", there is no multiplication of the amount to be played before withdrawal. However, these offers are often capped, limiting the maximum withdrawable amount per week to protect the operator's economic viability.

Free spins and free rounds on slots

Free Spins are generally awarded upon registration or after a first deposit, in the form of packages ranging from 20 to 250 spins. Their unit value is often between €0.10 and €0.20, and they are restricted to a specific slot designated by the platform. It is crucial to note that winnings from these free spins often remain subject to a Wager, requiring the player to convert and wager them before any withdrawal.

Unlike wager-free bonuses, free spins function like lottery tickets with draconian conditions if the wagering is high. On platforms like Wildzy, which highlights instant withdrawals, using these spins on high-volatility games can be strategic, but the risk of losing capital due to wagering requirements remains. Players should always check the list of eligible games, as not all titles contribute equally to unlocking winnings.

Cashback: recovering a portion of your losses

Cashback reimburses a portion of net losses, generally between 5% and 20% per week, and constitutes one of the fairest offers on the market as it often activates without wagering requirements. Mad Casino perfectly illustrates this trend by offering a 20% weekly cashback with no wager condition, allowing players to recover a portion of their lost budget in liquid form.

The central question is whether this cashback is subject to wagering requirements. In the case of Mad Casino and other similar operators, the answer is no: the reimbursed funds are immediately usable or withdrawable. This contrasts with classic deposit bonuses where the wager can turn a "gift" into a loan with infinite interest rates. For regular players, prioritizing a casino offering wager-free cashback like Mad Casino is often more profitable in the long run than chasing massive but inaccessible welcome bonuses. Let's remember that gambling should remain entertainment and that deposited money is considered lost.

Payment methods and instant withdrawals in 2026

To identify the best foreign casino without an ANJ license in 2026, withdrawal speed takes precedence over game volume. Our tests confirm that e-wallets and cryptocurrencies allow withdrawals within a few hours, unlike traditional bank transfers which require 24 to 72 hours. This technical distinction is crucial for French players looking to optimize their liquidity without going through traditional banking circuits subject to longer processing times.

Cryptocurrencies: USDT, Bitcoin and Ethereum

Cryptocurrencies currently form the backbone of payments on offshore platforms, offering a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems. As digital assets, they allow fund circulation without a direct banking intermediary, which explains their massive adoption by operators under Curaçao or Anjouan licenses.

USDT (Tether), particularly on the TRC20 network, has emerged as the most efficient channel for instant withdrawal. Our analyses show that cashing out is often validated in less than six hours with minimal network fees, avoiding the volatility inherent in other assets. This stability makes USDT a preferred tool for securing winnings before conversion to euros. Conversely, Bitcoin, although widely accepted, exhibits more pronounced volatility that can impact the real value of the withdrawal between the request and the receipt of funds.

Ethereum completes this technological trio. Although less cited for pure speed than USDT, it remains a standard for crypto casinos that integrate smart contracts to automate verifications. The use of these cryptocurrencies also allows bypassing restrictive withdrawal caps imposed by banks, with limits reaching up to €7,500 per transaction on sites like Cosmobet. However, it is imperative to note that the French government prohibits the use of crypto wallets on ANJ-regulated sites, deeming them too unreliable.

E-wallets: Skrill, Neteller and MuchBetter

For players reluctant to blockchain, e-wallets remain a robust intermediate solution. Skrill and Neteller are digital payment services that facilitate transfers without exposing primary banking details to the casino.

Withdrawal times with Skrill and Neteller are generally processed within a few hours, offering a fast alternative to bank cards which require 1 to 3 business days. These e-wallets act as a secure buffer: money leaves the casino quickly, but remains within the provider's ecosystem until the player decides to transfer it to their bank account. MuchBetter, a more recent solution focused on mobile experience, follows this same logic of fast withdrawal while integrating loyalty features.

While these methods accelerate the process on the operator's side, the final delay also depends on KYC (Know Your Customer) verifications. An operator that multiplies document requests with each withdrawal loses efficiency, a criterion we penalize in our evaluations.

Instant withdrawal: myth or reality?

The concept of instant withdrawal is often used for marketing purposes, but its technical reality varies depending on the chosen method. If casinos promise payments within minutes, this speed is almost exclusively reserved for cryptocurrencies and e-wallets.

For a classic bank transfer, count on at best 24 to 72 hours, which distances this method from the promise of immediacy. True crypto casinos stand out with processing times of less than an hour, thanks to higher KYC thresholds (often €2,000 cumulative) that reduce administrative friction. However, the player must remain vigilant: speed should not come at the expense of security. Play responsibly and set deposit limits, as easy access to funds can encourage impulsive behavior.

Security, game fairness and player protection

To identify the best foreign casino without an ANJ license in 2026, the absolute priority remains the technical verification of game fairness and the robustness of security protocols. A reliable platform relies on independent audits of its RNG (Random Number Generator) by organizations like eCOGRA or iTech Labs, and imposes a strict KYC procedure only during the first withdrawal to guarantee transaction integrity.

KYC verification: why is it mandatory?

The KYC (Know Your Customer) procedure should not be perceived as an administrative burden, but as a fundamental security guarantee for your funds. On a secure site, this identity verification, including an ID and proof of address, is requested only once, specifically at the time of the first withdrawal. This practice protects the player against fraud and money laundering, while ensuring that winnings return to the account holder.

However, it is crucial to distinguish a legitimate verification from a delaying tactic. If a casino repeatedly requests these documents without clear justification to delay payments, it is a major warning signal. In our analysis of offshore platforms, we find that serious operators process these validations quickly, allowing for smooth withdrawals thereafter. Conversely, a complete lack of verification requests may indicate a lack of regulatory compliance, exposing the player to increased legal and financial risks, especially in the absence of recourse with the ANJ in case of dispute.

RNG certification and audits by eCOGRA and iTech Labs

Game fairness relies entirely on the integrity of the RNG (Random Number Generator), the software that determines the results of slots and gaming tables. To ensure these algorithms are not rigged in favor of the house, it is imperative to verify the presence of certifications issued by internationally recognized independent laboratories.

Organizations such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs conduct regular audits to certify that advertised return-to-player (RTP) rates correspond to statistical reality. The presence of their seal in the footer, ideally clickable to redirect to the official validation registry, is an essential trust indicator. Furthermore, GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) represents another major reference in this field. A game catalog signed by recognized publishers generally indicates that the operator collaborates with studios subject to these rigorous audits, including those conducted by GLI (Gaming Laboratories International).

Playing on a poorly or unregulated site directly affects the transparency of these RNGs (Random Number Generators). Without the supervision of a credible international body, the risk of result manipulation increases, structurally disadvantaging players. This is why selecting a casino with eCOGRA or iTech Labs certifications constitutes an indispensable protection barrier against unfair practices.

Premium game providers: Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play

The quality of the gaming experience is intrinsically linked to the software providers present on the platform. The presence of premium publishers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play serves as a natural filter to eliminate unscrupulous operators, as these studios only grant access to their games to casinos that have passed strict compliance tests.

Evolution Gaming is the undisputed leader in live casino, supplying games to many major operators. Its technology guarantees exceptional fluidity and integrity of live gaming tables, offering an immersion close to physical establishments. Similarly, Pragmatic Play stands out as a reference for its slots and live casino solutions, recognized for their technical stability and certified fairness.

Another key player is NetEnt, whose games are also subject to independent audits by laboratories such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs. The joint presence of NetEnt, Pragmatic Play and Evolution Gaming in a game library signals that the operator works with studios whose return rates are regularly verified. By choosing a casino offering these providers, you indirectly benefit from the technical rigor imposed by these industry giants, ensuring that every roulette or blackjack hand relies on real chance rather than a predetermined script.

Responsible gambling and player protection: SOS Joueurs, FIJ and support

The lack of ANJ regulation on foreign casinos does not mean that player protection should be ignored. On the contrary, individual responsibility becomes paramount. In France, several organizations and systems exist to help players maintain healthy practices, even when using offshore platforms.

SOS Joueurs and Joueurs Info Service: essential resources

SOS Joueurs is an association recognized as a public utility that offers anonymous and free listening to people affected by excessive gambling. Their phone line and website provide personalized advice, self-assessment tools, and referrals to health professionals. For players using casinos without an ANJ license, contacting SOS Joueurs can be a crucial first step to regaining control, as these platforms do not have access to the national self-exclusion register.

Similarly, Joueurs Info Service, backed by the ANJ but accessible to everyone, offers comprehensive resources on the risks associated with gambling. Although the ANJ does not regulate offshore sites, its recommendations regarding budget management, playing time, and detecting signs of addiction remain relevant and applicable to any type of game. Ignoring these warning signals can lead to difficult financial and psychological situations, especially since automatic protection mechanisms (such as legally mandated deposit limits) are absent on foreign sites.

Voluntary Gambling Ban (IVJ) and its offshore limits

In France, the Voluntary Gambling Ban (IVJ) allows a player to ban themselves from accessing all ANJ-approved gambling sites for a period of three years, renewable. However, this measure has no legal value on foreign casinos without an ANJ license. Offshore operators are not connected to the national self-exclusion database.

To compensate for this gap, players must use the internal self-exclusion tools offered by each foreign casino. Most serious platforms, even under Curaçao or Anjouan licenses, offer the ability to temporarily block one's account (24h, 7 days, 30 days) or permanently. It is crucial to note that this exclusion is only valid for the site in question: it does not apply to other casinos. Thus, an impulsive player must take action on each platform they use, which requires increased discipline and vigilance.

The role of the Gaming Federation (FIJ) and associations

The Gaming Federation (FIJ) and other professional associations work to promote responsible practices within the industry. Although their influence is stronger on approved operators, they contribute to establishing ethical standards that can influence the behavior of offshore casinos wishing to maintain a good reputation.

Players must stay informed about the initiatives of these organizations and prioritize casinos that voluntarily adhere to responsible gambling charters, even in the absence of legal obligation. Transparency regarding winning probabilities, easy access to transaction history, and the ability to set one's own deposit limits are positive indicators. In the absence of an institutional safety net, prevention relies largely on player education and the proactive use of available resources like SOS Joueurs and Joueurs Info Service.

Legality and risks: playing outside ANJ with full awareness

The best foreign casino without an ANJ license in 2026 operates in a legal zone distinct from the regulated French market. If registration is not explicitly prohibited for the player, the lack of supervision by the National Gaming Authority implies a total loss of legal recourse in case of dispute. This section analyzes the concrete implications of Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, the mechanisms for bypassing blocks, and the available protection measures to prevent gambling addiction on these offshore platforms.

The French legal framework: 2010 Law and the role of the ANJ

The ANJ (National Gaming Authority) is the public regulator responsible for supervising the gambling market in France. Its scope of action is strictly defined by Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, which opened the online market while maintaining the prohibition of traditional casino games such as slots or roulette. This legislation primarily targets operators: it prohibits the offer of these games on the territory, but does not criminalize the act of playing for individuals residing in France.

However, this distinction creates a protective void. On a site approved by the ANJ, such as Winamax or Betclic for sports betting, the player benefits from a mediator and strict guarantees on withdrawal times. Conversely, on a foreign casino without an ANJ license, these guarantees disappear. The ANJ is not competent to handle disputes with illegal or unapproved operators. The player bears the financial and technical risk alone, relying solely on the reputation of the offshore license held by the operator (Curaçao, Anjouan, etc.).

The ANJ blacklist and ISP blocks

To enforce Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, the ANJ maintains an ANJ Blacklist listing illicit sites. French internet service providers (ISPs) have a legal obligation to block access to these URLs. This is where the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) becomes relevant for some users. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows masking the player's real IP address and connecting via a server located in a country where the site is not blocked.

Many reliable foreign casinos, particularly those under Curaçao license, do not systematically appear on the ANJ Blacklist because they operate from abroad without actively targeting the French market through local advertising. In these cases, access is often possible without a VPN (Virtual Private Network), although using this tool remains a recommended security measure to preserve the anonymity of personal data against varying protection standards outside the EU.

Comparison: Foreign Casinos vs ANJ-Agreed Operators

The best foreign casino without an ANJ license in 2026 stands out for its unlimited game offer and generous bonuses, unlike French operators restricted to sports betting and poker. While approved sites guarantee absolute legal security via the National Gaming Authority, offshore platforms like Wildzy or Mad Casino offer superior gaming freedom, including slots, but require increased vigilance regarding recourse in case of dispute.

Winamax and Betclic: the limits of the legal offer

Winamax and Betclic are major operators holding an ANJ license, guaranteeing strict compliance with French legislation. Winamax, known for its reliability, offers a welcome bonus of up to €1,000 and integrates live casino games provided by Evolution Gaming, an industry leader. However, the ANJ formally prohibits online slots and roulette, thus limiting the purely casino gaming experience. Betclic, also under an ANJ license, focuses on sports betting with freebet refunds, but shares this same legal restriction on traditional games of chance. Players seeking a complete casino experience therefore turn abroad, as no ANJ-approved site can legally offer these titles in France.

Advantages of foreign casinos: bonuses and game variety

Casinos without an ANJ license, such as Wildzy and Mad Casino, fill the gap left by French regulation. Wildzy, an operator licensed by Curaçao eGaming, stands out with an exceptional 600% welcome bonus and instant withdrawals, offering rare financial flexibility on the regulated market. For its part, Mad Casino attracts players with its wager-free cashback, a promotion that allows recovering a portion of losses without restrictive wagering requirements, unlike ANJ offers often subject to high wagering. These platforms offer a vast game library, including titles from providers like Pragmatic Play and NetEnt, as well as popular "Crash" games, prohibited in France. The diversity of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, also strengthens their attractiveness for French players.

Disadvantages: lack of recourse and financial risks

Playing on a site not regulated by the ANJ involves significant risks. The absence of French legal guarantee means that disputes must be resolved through the foreign regulator, whose effectiveness varies by jurisdiction. Unlike Unibet or Betclic, where the ANJ mandates complaint handling within 30 days, players on sites like Wildzy or Mad Casino depend on the operator's good faith and the solidity of its offshore license. Furthermore, the lack of mandatory deposit limits can encourage excessive gambling, requiring rigorous self-discipline and the use of internal responsible gambling tools on the platform. It is crucial to check the license's reputation and player reviews before depositing funds.

About this article - Writing & responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst
Reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst
Last updated: 2026-07-31.

This article on « best foreign casino without ANJ license 2026 » was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory developments, licenses and bonus terms. All references to licenses, authorities or legal frameworks refer to public sources (ANJ (National Gaming Authority), Law of 12 May 2010 on the opening of online gambling).

About the author

8+ years of casino testing, 200+ platforms personally tested in the EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, withdrawal processes, customer support evaluation.

About the reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years in compliance consulting for operators licensed under the French ANJ framework. PhD in economic mathematics. Areas: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection devices.