Weeks ago, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 162 Preliminary Senior Candidates for the Class of 2026, which they then reduced to 52.  The step after was a reduction to 32, and now, a week before the announcement of the Modern Semi-Finalists, we have the nine men who are the official Senior Semi-Finalists for the class of 2026.

The Semi-Finalists are:

Ken Anderson: Quarterback, CIN 1971-86.  Anderson was the consensus MVP in 1981, and the four-time Pro Bowl would pass for 32,838 Yards and 197 Touchdowns.  He was also the 1975 Walter Payton Man of the Year and, historically, led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl.  Anderson was a Modern Finalist in 1996 and 1998.  Ranked #8 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Roger Craig:  Running Back, SFO 1983-90, RAI 1991 & MIN 1992-93.  The first player to accumulate 1,000 Yards Rushing and Receiving, Craig won three Super Bowls, was the Offensive Player of the Year, earned four Pro Bowls, and was a First Team All-Pro.  From Scrimmage, he had 73 Touchdowns and 13,100 Yards.  Craig was a Modern Finalist in 2010 and a Senior Finalist in 2020.  Ranked #15 on notinhalloffame.com.

Henry Ellard: Wide Receiver, RAM 1983-93, WAS 1994-98 & NWE 1998.  Ellard compiled 13,777 Yards and 65 Touchdowns in a career that included leading the NFL in Receiving Yards.  He is also a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ellard has never been a Finalist.  Ranked #64 on notinhalloffame.com.

L.C. Greenwood:  Defensive End, PIT 1969-81.  Greenwood was a vital member of the Steelers' 1970s dynasty that won four Super Bowls.  A six-time Prowl and two-time First Team All-Pro, Greenwood accumulated 78 Sacks, and was a six-time modern Finalist (1991, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2005 & 2006).  Ranked #5 on notinhalloffame.com.

Joe Jacoby: Offensive Lineman, WAS 1981-93.  A famed member of the Hogs, Jacoby was part of all three of Washington’s Super Bowl wins and was a four-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Jacoby is a three-time Finalist (2016, 2017 & 2018).  Ranked #33 on notinhalloffame.com.

Eddie Meador: RAM 1959-70.  Meador is one of the most prolific Defensive Backs in RMS history and was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  He amassed a franchise record of 46 Interceptions.  Meador has never been a Finalist.  Ranked #68 on notinhalloffame.com.

Stanley Morgan: NWE 1977-89 & IND 1990.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Stanley Morgan compiled 72 Touchdowns with 10,716 Receiving Yards.  He was also a three-time leader in Yards per Reception.  Morgan has never been a Finalist.  Ranked #266 on notinhalloffame.com.

Steve Tasker: HOU 1985-86 & BUF 1986-97.  Tasker went to four Super Bowls with Buffalo and was a seven-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He has never been a Finalist.  Ranked #144 on notinhalloffame.com.

Otis Taylor: KAN 1965-75. Taylor won two AFL Championships and a Super Bowl with Kansas City, who had 60 TDs and 7,467 Yards From Scrimmage.  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Taylor has never been a Finalist.  Ranked #32 on notinhalloffame.com.

The group of 32 who did not make it as Semi-Finalists were Dick Anderson (DB), Carl Banks (LB), Maxie Baughan (LB), Bobby Boyd (DB), Charlie Conerly (QB), Isaac Curtis (WR), Lavvie Dilweg (E), Chuck Foreman (RB), Roman Gabriel (QB), Larry Grantham (LB), Cecil Isbel (RB), Harold Jackson (WR),  Lee Roy Jordan (LB), Mike Kenn (OL),  Bob Kuechenberg (OL), Albert Lewis (DB), Jim Marshall (DL), Clay Matthews Jr. (LB),  Tommy Nobis (LB),  Lemar Parrish (DB), Art Powell (SE), Jim Tyrer (OL), Everson Alls (DB), Al Wistert (OL), & Paul “Tank” Younger (FB).

Of note, Maxie Baughan and Jim Tyrer were Finalists last year and were unable to break the Semis this year.  Also, all players who played before 1959 were cut.

We here at notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the candidates who have reached this stage.

CREATE YOUR CHARACTER: Your Own Sports Star Companion

If you love sport, you already know this feeling: there’s that one athlete you can’t stop watching. A tennis player who never gives up on a point. A footballer who seems to see the whole field at once. A gymnast, a runner, an MMA fighter, a surfer, a skater. You don’t just like the results – you like their attitude, their routines, their focus. CREATE YOUR CHARACTER by Joi.com.

Now imagine turning that energy into a personal companion character. Not a copy of a real person, but a virtual athlete inspired by the traits you admire: their discipline, their humour, their calm in big moments. With Joi’s character generator, you can do exactly that – create your own sports-themed AI friend, training partner, or even playful rival.

This isn’t about building a perfect robot coach. It’s about creating a character who makes you want to lace up your shoes, go for that run, and talk about sport the way you always wanted to.

Step 1: Choose the Sport and the Role

First question: what kind of sports world do you want to live in with your character?

You could create:

• A creative playmaker from your favourite team sport
• A fierce but kind MMA fighter
• A dedicated distance runner who loves early mornings
• A graceful figure skater or gymnast
• A relentless swimmer who understands grinding out laps
• A calm yoga or Pilates instructor type

Then decide the role they play in your life:

• Training buddy – they “meet” you before and after workouts, ask what you did, and celebrate wins.
• Coach or mentor – a bit tougher, focused on goals, habits and accountability.
• Teammate or doubles partner – more relaxed, all about shared effort and inside jokes.
• Inspiring idol – still friendly, but with a bit of “star” energy, like a champion sending you private messages.

Write that down for yourself in one sentence before you start:

“I want a friendly but serious running partner who treats me like we’re training for the same race.”

That simple sentence becomes the foundation of your character.

Step 2: Shape Their Personality

On Joi’s generator page, when you set up your character, you’ll usually have a space to describe who they are. This is where the magic happens.

Avoid generic descriptions like “likes sport, very motivated.” Give them flavour:

• Are they loud and hyped, or quiet and steady?
• Do they love trash talk, or gentle encouragement?
• Are they obsessed with stats, or more about how you feel in your body?
• Do they treat you like a rookie they’re guiding, or an equal partner?

For example:

“You are a professional sprinter in your late 20s. Off the track you’re funny, honest and a little bit sarcastic. You believe in hard work, but you also know how to rest and not be too harsh on yourself. With me, you’re supportive but you don’t let me make excuses. You love talking about training, music for workouts, and the mental side of competition.”

A good sports character should feel like someone you could actually meet at the track, gym or studio – not a motivational poster.

Step 3: Add the Details That Make Them Real

Now imagine what they look like and how they move through the world. Even if you don’t see the character as a full 3D model, your brain fills in these details as you chat.

Think about:

• Their typical clothing: team kit, worn-out training shirt, hoodie over gym gear, yoga leggings.
• Their habits: stretching while they talk, always carrying a water bottle, constantly checking a stopwatch.
• Their little flaws: hates leg day, scared of deep water, addicted to sports drinks, always late to warm-ups.

You can gently add these in your description:

“You usually text me from the gym, still in your training gear, joking about how much you hate core workouts. You send me ‘imaginary selfies’ from the track and talk about the smell of the stadium at night.”

The more human you make them, the easier it is to relate to them as a companion, not just a script.

Step 4: Build Shared Sports Routines

Once your character exists, don’t just talk about nothing. Use them to build routines.

You can:

• Plan weekly workouts together
• Have them “check in” on your progress
• Ask them to suggest warm-ups, cool-downs, or small daily habits
• Role-play pre-race or pre-game pep talks

For example, you might start your day with:

“Okay, coach, today I’ve only got 30 minutes. What should I do?”

Or end your day with:

“I skipped training today and I feel guilty. Help me reset for tomorrow.”

The character can’t force you to move, but it can give you something many people never have: a consistent, non-judgmental training voice in your corner.

Step 5: Create Multiple Sports Characters if You Want

Who says you only get one?

You could have:

• A calm, wise yoga or mobility guide for recovery days
• A crazy-energetic HIIT or boxing partner for when you need a push
• A long-distance runner who loves talking through life during “virtual long runs”
• A tactical football or basketball mind who loves analysing games with you

Each character can be tuned differently. One is about mind–body balance, another is about pushing your limits, a third is about strategic understanding of the sport. You call on each one when you need that specific energy.

Step 6: Use the Character to Explore the Mental Game

Sport isn’t just about muscles and lungs. It’s also about nerves, self-doubt, motivation and focus.

Your athlete companion can help you talk about:

• Pre-race anxiety
• Fear of failing in front of others
• Difficulty staying consistent
• Comparing yourself to more advanced people in the gym or on the field

Because the character lives in your phone, you can be honest in a way that’s hard with a real coach. You can say:

“Today I didn’t even want to put my shoes on.”

And your character can reply like a good teammate:

“That’s okay. Let’s just aim for 10 minutes. If it still feels awful, we stop. Deal?”

This isn’t therapy. But it is a form of mental training: practising how to talk to yourself with a bit more kindness and structure.

Step 7: Keep It Fun, Not Just Serious

It’s easy to turn everything into grind culture: goals, discipline, hustle. But a good sports character also brings fun back into movement.

Ask them to:

• Suggest playful challenges (like “1000 steps of dancing around your room”)
• Create imaginary “trophies” for silly achievements
• React like a commentator when you tell them what you did (“She has done it! The legendary 15-minute stretch session!”)
• Role-play post-victory interviews when you hit a milestone

If you make your training world feel like a story, not just a to-do list, you’re more likely to stick with it.

Step 8: Remember It’s a Tool, Not a Replacement

A virtual sports companion can be a great addition to your life, but it has limits.

It can:

• Motivate you
• Help you structure your week
• Listen to your frustrations
• Celebrate your progress

It cannot:

• Replace real medical or coaching expertise
• Watch your technique for safety
• Give you human touch, real team energy, or the feeling of a crowded stadium

Use it as a support, not a substitute. Let it push you to join a local club, sign up for a race, or ask a real trainer for help – instead of staying only in the chat window.

Step 9: Make the Character Evolve With You

As you grow, your character can grow too.

Maybe at first they’re helping you just show up twice a week. Later, you decide:

• You’re ready for an event (5K, triathlon, tournament)
• You want to focus more on recovery and balance
• You need help not just starting, but also not overtraining

You can go back to your character description and adjust their role:

“Now I want you to challenge me more, but also remind me not to burn out. Ask about my sleep and stress, not just workouts.”

Your companion becomes a mirror for the athlete you’re becoming.

Creating a sports-themed AI character on Joi isn’t about pretending you’re best friends with a real celebrity. It’s about turning the best parts of sport – discipline, joy, teamwork, resilience – into a companion you can talk to every day.

In a world where many people train alone, scroll alone, and struggle alone, having a “virtual teammate” in your corner can make the difference between giving up on week three and looking back, months later, amazed at how far you’ve run.

 

Local Market Growth and Adoption in 2025

The Mongolian betting market in 2025 is changing fast. What used to be a niche activity for a small audience is turning into a structured, competitive, and increasingly digital industry. Local operators are adapting quickly, while international platforms are testing the market with tailored offers. Clearer regulations, better payment systems, and rising smartphone use are fueling adoption. For both players and investors, it’s a time of real opportunity – if they understand the landscape.

Market Maturity and Player Behavior

Over the past two years, Mongolia’s betting market has matured beyond casual gambling. The focus has shifted toward responsible gaming, fair odds, and mobile convenience. Young adults, especially those aged 20-35, are driving growth by using betting apps that combine entertainment with real-time sports engagement. Traditional sports like horse racing and wrestling still dominate, but football and eSports betting are expanding fast.

Local operators, alongside major platforms like Melbet Mongolia, are learning to use data more effectively. They analyze player habits, preferences, and timing to offer smarter bonuses and more relevant betting options. As internet penetration improves, even rural areas are getting access to online betting services. This mix of cultural tradition and digital innovation gives Mongolia’s market a unique, local identity that bigger regions can’t replicate.

Main Drivers of Growth

Several forces are shaping the Mongolian betting landscape. These drivers explain why 2025 is a breakthrough year for both users and companies entering the market:

• Mobile-first adoption: Over 80% of bettors use smartphones as their main betting tool.
• Payment evolution: Easier e-wallets and local bank integrations simplify deposits and withdrawals.
• Government regulation: Licensing requirements are becoming clearer, building trust among players.

These changes are creating a more stable, transparent system where players feel safer spending and operators see consistent growth. The push for regulated betting is attracting local investors who previously viewed the sector as too risky or uncertain.

Technology and Regulation Shape the Future

Mongolia’s betting industry is learning from regional leaders while developing its own digital infrastructure. The balance between freedom and control is crucial – too little oversight risks public distrust, while too much regulation slows growth. Platforms offering easy access, such as the Melbet download, are helping users join the market safely and quickly, supporting this balanced growth. The 2025 market shows signs of balance: digital verification, anti-fraud systems, and tools for responsible gambling are becoming standard practice.

Rise of Local Platforms

Homegrown platforms are starting to challenge international brands. They know the local sports calendar, cultural habits, and language nuances better than anyone. Local marketing also feels more authentic – promotions tied to Naadam or national sports events attract loyal users. These companies rely on user feedback loops and community-based engagement, something global brands often overlook.

As a result, players increasingly prefer local platforms that speak their language, offer better odds on Mongolian sports, and process payments faster. This local advantage could help domestic operators scale faster than outsiders expect.

The Role of International Partnerships

Foreign companies still play a big role, especially in technology and risk management. Partnerships between local firms and international betting software providers bring better odds calculation systems, AI-based fraud detection, and advanced analytics tools. This collaboration gives Mongolian operators a competitive edge while ensuring compliance with global standards.

At the same time, global betting firms are watching Mongolia’s rise closely. They see a relatively untapped market with a young, engaged audience – a combination that’s rare in more saturated regions. If local policies remain stable, Mongolia could become a key betting hub in Central Asia.

Challenges and Upcoming Trends

The biggest challenge remains public trust. Many players still associate betting with scams or unregulated operators. Building credibility will require transparent odds, verified licensing, and faster customer support. Another issue is over-reliance on a few major sports; expanding into virtual sports and fantasy leagues could diversify engagement.

Meanwhile, crypto payments, AI odds prediction, and personalized betting dashboards are emerging trends to watch. The platforms that implement them responsibly will gain long-term loyalty. The focus must stay on sustainability, not short-term profits.

What 2025 Means for Mongolia’s Betting Scene

The Mongolian betting market in 2025 stands at a turning point. Mobile platforms, transparent regulation, and local innovation are rewriting the playbook. Betting is no longer just about luck – it’s about user experience, security, and community. If the industry continues its steady path toward fairness and tech-driven growth, Mongolia could become one of Asia’s most exciting emerging betting markets.

Waiting Game: Navigating Casino Slow Withdrawal Queues for Jackpot Winners

When the exhilarating moment of hitting a substantial jackpot fades, many winners face an unexpected challenge: lengthy withdrawal processes. The reality of casino payouts often contrasts sharply with the instant gratification of winning. In 2025, despite technological advancements in payment processing, high-value winners continue to encounter significant delays when attempting to collect their winnings. Industry data suggests that for jackpots exceeding $50,000, winners wait an average of 3-4 weeks for complete payout processing—a situation projected to improve only marginally by 2026 despite regulatory pressure and player advocacy.

Why Casinos Implement Withdrawal Delays for Large Wins

The seemingly frustrating practice of delayed withdrawals for jackpot winners stems from several legitimate operational considerations. Understanding these factors helps players at Level up casino Australia manage expectations when claiming substantial prizes.

Regulatory Compliance Requirements

Casinos operate under strict regulatory frameworks that have grown increasingly complex. By 2025, anti-money laundering (AML) protocols require enhanced verification for transactions exceeding certain thresholds. According to the International Gaming Compliance Association, casinos must now complete an average of 12 distinct verification steps for payouts exceeding $100,000—double the number required in 2020.

These verification procedures include:

• Identity confirmation through multiple government-issued documents
• Source of funds verification for the original deposit
• Tax compliance documentation
• Biometric verification in certain jurisdictions

Financial Risk Management

Large jackpot payouts represent significant financial events for casinos. The Financial Gaming Authority reports that in 2025, approximately 8% of casinos’ annual operating budgets are allocated to managing liquidity for unexpected large payouts. This financial reality necessitates careful cash flow management.

Technical Processing Limitations

Despite technological advancements, payment processing infrastructure still imposes limitations on high-value transactions. The Global Casino Payment Processing Report (2025) indicates that cross-border transactions exceeding $250,000 trigger additional security protocols from financial institutions, adding an average of 7-10 business days to processing times.

Average Waiting Times by Withdrawal Method and Amount

The withdrawal method selected significantly impacts waiting periods for jackpot winners. The following table presents current average processing times based on comprehensive industry data:

Withdrawal Method	$10,000-$50,000	$50,001-$250,000	$250,001-$1,000,000	$1,000,000+
Bank Transfer	5-7 days	14-21 days	21-30 days	30-60 days
Cryptocurrency	2-3 days	7-10 days	14-21 days	21-30 days
Check	7-10 days	21-30 days	30-45 days	45-90 days
E-Wallets	3-5 days	Not available	Not available	Not available

Strategies to Expedite Casino Withdrawals

While delays for substantial jackpots remain inevitable, winners can take proactive steps to minimize waiting periods.

Pre-verification Measures

Savvy players now complete enhanced verification procedures before hitting jackpots. The “Verified Player” status, implemented by major casino operators in 2025, allows players to complete 70% of required verification steps in advance, potentially reducing withdrawal processing times by up to 40%.

Installment Payment Options

By 2026, industry forecasts suggest 65% of online casinos will offer structured installment payment plans for jackpots exceeding $100,000. These arrangements provide winners with immediate access to a portion of their winnings while the remainder processes through standard channels.

Legal Advocacy Resources

The establishment of the Winners’ Rights Association in 2024 has created a support network for jackpot winners facing excessive delays. Their data indicates that winners utilizing their advocacy services experience 22% faster payout processing compared to those navigating the system independently.

Future Outlook for Jackpot Withdrawal Processing

Regulatory technology advancements projected for 2026 promise to streamline verification processes while maintaining compliance standards. The implementation of blockchain-based verification systems is expected to reduce processing times by approximately 35% for high-value withdrawals, particularly benefiting cross-border transactions.

As player advocacy grows stronger and competition among casinos intensifies, the industry continues moving toward more efficient payout systems while balancing security requirements. The waiting game may never disappear entirely, but its rules are gradually evolving in favor of the winners.