From Duke, where he was the 2022 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Mark Williams began his pro career in the same state when the Hornets chose him 15th overall.

A Hornet for his first three seasons, the Center improved annually, reaching 15 Points and 10.2 Rebounds per Game in 2024-25, but he played only 44 Games, his most to that point.  Perpetual back issues held him to 106 Games in total over three seasons, but the potential was certainly there.

As Charlotte remained in their usual state of rebuilding, they traded the oft-injured Center to the Lakers, which was rescinded when he failed a physical. Still, the Hornets were successful in a second attempt, and in the 2025 off-season, Williams joined the Phoenix Suns. 

Global Shift Toward Safer Gambling Tools and Spending Controls

The conversation around gambling has changed dramatically in recent years. In 2025, the focus isn’t just on entertainment or bonuses – it’s on player safety and financial control. Governments, regulators, and operators worldwide are adopting new systems that help players set limits, monitor spending, and gamble responsibly. As we head into 2026, the message is clear: sustainability, not risk, is the future of online gambling.

Why Safer Gambling Tools Are Becoming Standard

Responsible gambling once meant a few optional settings buried deep in menus. Today, it’s front and centre. More than 80% of licensed casinos, such as Richard Casino, and sportsbooks, in Europe and North America now include tools that allow users to control how much time and money they spend.

This transformation has been driven by both regulatory pressure and player demand. Users want reassurance that platforms are fair and transparent. In 2025, players increasingly choose operators that promote safety features openly – not as an afterthought, but as part of the brand identity.

Overview of Safer Gambling Tools Used in 2025

Before exploring the impact of these systems, it’s worth seeing how different control tools function across major regions.

The expansion of these tools shows a cultural and technological shift toward accountability and care.

Regional Trends in Responsible Gambling

While regulation remains local, the principles behind safer gambling are going global. In 2025, nearly all UK casinos will verify income data through open banking before approving large deposits.

Europe Leads the Regulatory Framework – European countries, particularly the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands, are setting global standards. Their licensing bodies – like the UK Gambling Commission and Spelinspektionen – now require operators to automatically integrate player limits and affordability checks.

North America’s Rapid Adoption – In the U.S. and Canada, responsible gambling initiatives are catching up fast. States such as Ontario and New Jersey have implemented cross-operator exclusion lists and joint databases that prevent players from re-registering elsewhere after self-exclusion. This interconnectivity is becoming a model for sustainable gambling ecosystems.

Emerging Markets Taking Notice – Latin America and parts of Asia are following suit. Brazil’s new betting regulation, expected to roll out in 2026, includes mandatory deposit limit systems and player protection dashboards. Meanwhile, Japan’s lottery and pachinko sectors are introducing mobile apps that display live session data and spending alerts.

Technology’s Role in Safer Gambling

The latest generation of responsible gambling tools uses AI and behavioural analytics. Instead of waiting for players to set limits, algorithms now detect risky activity – like sudden deposit spikes or extended playing hours – and automatically trigger notifications or temporary freezes.

Proactive vs Reactive Tools

Traditional systems were reactive: they only worked if players opted in. Modern systems are proactive – they observe patterns silently and intervene when needed. Some major operators are testing AI-powered affordability scores that suggest safer deposit limits based on previous activity.

These systems aren’t about restricting freedom; they’re about ensuring long-term sustainability for both players and brands.

Business Side of Responsibility

Contrary to old assumptions, responsible gambling isn’t bad for business. Operators that promote safety have 25–30% higher player retention and stronger reputations with regulators. In 2025, several major brands integrated safer gambling dashboards directly into their apps – and saw measurable boosts in user satisfaction and trust scores.

Player Trust as a Competitive Edge

Transparency is now a selling point. Casinos that clearly show spending summaries, offer cooling-off features, and avoid aggressive bonus targeting are being rewarded with loyalty. Players associate these features with fairness – and fairness keeps them coming back.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The next step in the evolution of safer gambling will likely focus on integration and automation. Expect:

• Unified responsible gambling profiles that follow players across multiple operators.
• Smart notifications reminding users of time, stakes, and spending limits in real time.
• Collaborative databases between regulators and platforms to identify problem gambling early.
• Education tools built into casino apps, promoting financial literacy alongside gameplay.

Bottom Line

Safer gambling is no longer a compliance checkbox – it’s a defining feature of the modern casino industry. The shift toward transparency, control, and empathy reflects a maturing market that values players as long-term participants, not short-term profits.

In 2026, the casinos that succeed won’t just be the ones offering the biggest jackpots or flashiest bonuses – they’ll be the ones players trust with their limits.

1986 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project Class.

Here we are!  Again!!

If you have been following our Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project, you know we have asked the rhetorical question: What if the PFHOF began in January 1946?

After soliciting and obtaining a passionate group of football fans and historians, we sent out a ballot for a Preliminary Vote, in which we asked each voter to select 25 names as their semi-finalists and 5 names for the Senior Pool. We then asked the group to vote for their 15 Finalists in the Modern Era and 3 in the Senior Category. The final stage was to vote for their five Modern Era inductee and one Senior inductee.

This is the result of the 41st official class. 

Below are the final results of this project based on 31 votes.

Remember that we have reverted back to the top five candidates entering the Hall in the Modern Era

This is for the “Modern Era”

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1986:

This is for the “Senior Era”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1986.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1986.

About the 1986 Inductees:

Gene Hickerson, G, CLE 1958-73: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1986 on his 8th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. 

From Ole Miss, Gene Hickerson was chosen in the Seventh Round in the 1957 Draft, where Cleveland Browns Head Coach Paul Brown liked his speed and moved him to the Right Tackle position, where he became their starter in his second season.  As Hickerson improved, his 1961 Season was cut short due to a broken leg, but he returned the following season as a greater asset, protecting Jim Brown and company.

Hickerson helped Cleveland win the 1964 NFL Championship, and as he turned 30, he defied time, growing into one of the top Guards in football.  From 1965 to 1970, Hickerson put forth an Approximate Value of at least 11, peaking with 18 in 1968.  In all of those six years, Hickerson went to the Pro Bowl and was a First Team All-Pro from 1967 to 1969.  Hickerson played until the end of the 1973 Season, and he retired with the team he started with, finishing with 202 Games Played.  

Hickerson was part of the first Browns Ring of Honor class.  Notably, he was also named to the 1960s All-Decade Team.

Carl Eller, DE, MIN 1964-78 & SEA 1979: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1986 on his 2nd Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Carl Eller, nicknamed "Moose," is a legendary defensive end best known for his dominant career with the Minnesota Vikings. Drafted sixth overall in the 1964 NFL Draft from the University of Minnesota, Eller quickly became a crucial part of the Vikings' ferocious defensive line, famously known as the "Purple People Eaters," alongside Alan Page, Jim Marshall, and Gary Larsen. Eller was a force off the edge, renowned for his exceptional speed, power, and agility. During his 15 seasons with the Vikings (1964–1978), the team enjoyed tremendous success, winning the 1969 NFL championship and appearing in four Super Bowls. He finished his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 1979, amassing a total of 133.5 career sacks (an unofficial statistic at the time) and recovering 23 opponents' fumbles.

Paul Krause, DB, WAS 1964-67 & MIN 1968-79.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1986 on his 2nd Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Paul Krause is widely recognized as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, primarily known for his exceptional ball-hawking ability. Drafted in the second round by the Washington Redskins in 1964, he immediately made an impact by leading the entire NFL in interceptions with 12 during his rookie season, which earned him a First-Team All-Pro selection. In 1968, he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he played the majority of his 16-season career (1964–1979). Krause holds the all-time NFL record for career interceptions with 81, accumulated across 226 games. He was a cornerstone of the Vikings' formidable defense, playing in all four of their Super Bowl appearances (IV, VIII, IX, and XI) and missing only two games due to injury throughout his career.

Charley Taylor, WR-SE-RB, WAS, 1964-77.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1986 on his 4th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

One of the best college players at Arizona State, Charlie Taylor was a star baseball and football star as a Sun Devil.  On the gridiron, Taylor was the Third Overall Pick in 1963, which would transcend into a Hall of Fame career in Professional Football.

Taylor’s first four years were all Pro Bowl years, with the latter two leading the National Football League in Receptions. The Receiver/End had a 1,000 Receiving Yard plus year in 1966, and the season after he was a First Team All-Pro. 

Taylor remained with Washington for his entire career (until 1977), and he had another four-year run of Pro Bowls from 1972 to 1975. With Washington, Taylor put forth 9,110 Receiving Yards with 70 Touchdowns, which were great numbers for his era.

Charlie Sanders, TE, DET 1968-77.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1986 on his 4th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

Charlie Sanders might very well be the greatest Tight End in Detroit Lions history, especially when it comes to blocking.  As great as he was at blocking, he was equally adept as a receiver. Sanders was named to seven Pro Bowls and three First Team All-Pros and was close to 5,000 Yards Receiving.  Sanders was part of Detroit's first Pride of the Lions Class in 2009. 

Emmitt Thomas, DB, KAN 1966-78.  Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1986 on his 4th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Emmitt Thomas is the franchise leader in Interceptions (58, one more than Johnny Robinson) and was a two-time league leader in that statistic (1969 & 1974).  Making a case as the greatest Cornerback in Chiefs history, Thomas played thirteen of his NFL seasons with Kansas City, and he was named to the AFL All-Star Team once (1968) and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection (1971, 1972, 1974 & 1975), the last of which was First Team All-Pro worthy.  In that season, his league-leading 12 Interceptions were matched by a league-high 214 Interception Return Yards.  Thomas was a member of the Super Bowl IV-winning team and was also an AFL Champion in 1966.

Thomas would win two more Super Bowl rings as a Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs Coach with the Washington Redskins, and he was elected to the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1986.  This has been quite a career for an undrafted player from Bishop College.

Hank Stram, Coach, DTX/KC 1960-74 & HOU 1973-74.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1986 on his 7th Coach/Contributor Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

Hank Stram is best known for his influential 15-year tenure as the head coach of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL), beginning with the Texans' inaugural season in 1960.  Lamar Hunt hired him and immediately found success, leading the Texans to the 1962 AFL championship. After the team moved to Kansas City and became the Chiefs, Stram continued to build a powerhouse, winning two more AFL championships in 1966 and 1969. This success led his teams to two Super Bowl appearances; they lost Super Bowl I but defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV, a victory that gave the entire AFL credibility. Over his 15 seasons with the franchise, he compiled a regular-season record of 124-76-10.

Missouri, often known as the “Show-Me State,” has long been a destination that stirs curiosity, courage, and a deep sense of exploration. Its mix of rolling hills, vast forests, winding rivers, and bustling cities captures the heart of every traveller seeking both thrill and tranquillity. Whether you are chasing scenic drives, outdoor escapades, or a taste of American history, Missouri continues to fuel the spirit of adventure in every sense.

Embracing Nature’s Untamed Beauty

Few places in the Midwest offer as much natural diversity as Missouri. From the majestic Ozark Mountains to the tranquil waters of Lake of the Ozarks, the state invites visitors to disconnect from routine and reconnect with nature. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, and caving are only the beginning of what you can experience here. The Mark Twain National Forest stretches across 1.5 million acres of woodlands, giving explorers endless trails to discover. Every journey through these landscapes reminds you why adventure thrives where nature remains unspoiled.

Discovering Missouri’s Historic Heart

Adventure is not always about scaling peaks or crossing rivers; sometimes, it is found in stories of the past. Missouri’s history is deeply woven into the fabric of America’s journey westward. Cities like St. Louis, with its iconic Gateway Arch, celebrate the pioneering spirit that once drove settlers to explore the unknown. Meanwhile, towns such as Independence and Hannibal offer glimpses into the lives of pioneers and literary legends who shaped American culture. Exploring these destinations brings a sense of connection to the courageous adventurers who came before.

Transportation for Your Adventure

Whether you are travelling across the state or venturing into Missouri’s backroads, planning your transportation can make or break your experience. Many adventurers choose to explore Missouri on two wheels, taking advantage of scenic motorcycle routes that weave through the Ozarks and beyond. Reliable motorcycle transporters in Missouri make it easier for enthusiasts to bring their bikes along for the ride, ensuring every journey begins and ends smoothly. This convenience allows travellers to focus on the open road, the fresh air, and the freedom that makes motorcycle touring such a rewarding way to explore the state.

The Food and Music That Keep the Adventure Going

Every great adventure is fuelled by good food and unforgettable soundtracks. Missouri delivers both in abundance. Kansas City’s world-famous barbecue is a culinary adventure of its own, while St. Louis offers unique local dishes like toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake. Beyond food, the state’s music scene is a living testament to creativity and rhythm. From blues in St. Louis to country tunes in Branson, Missouri’s music culture is vibrant and alive, drawing travellers from all over who crave experiences that move the soul.

Adventures That Never End

What truly sets Missouri apart is how easily it blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and genuine hospitality. Adventure here does not demand perfection or preparation; it invites participation. You can spend a weekend exploring the caves of Meramec Caverns, kayak through the Current River, or take a scenic road trip from St. Joseph to the Bootheel, each adventure revealing a new side of the state.

Final Thoughts 

Missouri remains a haven for those who crave discovery, offering a unique balance of excitement and peace. It is a place where every road leads to something worth exploring and every journey feels personal. Whether you are venturing through its forests, cities, or rivers, Missouri will continue to fuel your sense of adventure, showing that the spirit of exploration is alive and well in the heart of America.