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Longlist Revealed For The William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2023 Award – and £30,000 Top Prize

Published

2 years ago

September 28, 2023

George Miller

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18 books selected for the longlist including current professional snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan, and three-time winner Duncan Hamilton
13 different sports featured including two fiction books
100% growth for longlisted female authors

The longlist for the 35^th William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award – the world’s most valuable literary sports-writing prize – has been revealed today (Thursday 28^th September), featuring a diverse selection of sports from squash and snooker to swimming and surfing.

The 18-book longlist was selected from more than 150 entries following a rigorous judging process from a panel with expertise in both sports and literature including The Athletic’s Nancy Froston, sports presenter Matt Williams and William Hill’s Neil Foggin.

Books making this year’s longlist celebrate a diverse world of sports literature, covering tales and insight from 13 different sports. From gripping memoirs to thrilling narratives and insightful analysis from some of the most compelling sporting stars, the longlisted books have one common thread: a profound passion for sports and sporting literature.

Six female authors make this year’s cut, doubling the number from previous years.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Three-time William Hill Sports Book of the Year winner Duncan Hamilton is in the running for this year’s Award, alongside arguably one of the greatest snooker players of all time, Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2023 Longlist (alphabetical by author surname):

1923: The Mystery of Lot 212 and a Tour de France Obsession by Ned Boulting
Hope and Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher’s Britain by Anthony Broxton
Inshallah United: A Story of Faith and Football by Nooruddean Choudry
Unfair Play: The Battle for Women’s Sport by Sharron Davies with Craig Lord
Good for a Girl: My Life Running in a Man’s World by Lauren Fleshman
The Silence of the Stands: Finding the Joy in Football’s Lost Season by Daniel Gray
Answered Prayers: England and the 1966 World Cup by Duncan Hamilton
Tinseltown: Hollywood and the Beautiful Game – a Match Made in Wrexham by Ian Herbert
Althea: The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson by Sally H. Jacobs
Nazaré: Life and Death with the Big Wave Surfers by Matt Majendie
Western Lane by Chetna Maroo

The Hard Parts: A Story of Courage and Triumph by Oksana Masters
Unbreakable by Ronnie O’Sullivan
Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth by Sam Peters
On Days Like These: The Lost Memoir of a Goalkeeper by Tim Rich
Nowhere to Run: The Ridiculous Life of a Semi-Professional Football Club Chairman by Jonathan Sayer
Kick The Latch by Kathryn Scanlan
The Tour: The Story of the England Cricket Team Overseas 1877 – 2023 by Simon Wilde

Award panellist and renowned sports broadcaster, Matt Williams said: “This year’s longlist showcases the diversity of sports and the many ways in which they inspire, entertain, and unite communities.

“We received an unprecedented number of outstanding entries from talented authors this year, including a high volume of contributions from both female authors and international writers. Whittling these down was no small feat, resulting in an historic moment for the Awards as we reveal a list of 18 longlisted books, which encompasses fiction and non-fiction.

“These remarkable titles explore the depths of sportsmanship, triumphs and challenges across the sporting industry including sexism, and the devastating effects that head injuries have on sportspeople. All the longlisted books not only have a great story to tell but their writing captivates the reader and is the best in sporting literature.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading so many inspirational books from the most talented of authors and I’m excited to see which of the 18 books comes out on top.”

Now in its 35^th year, the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is dedicated to rewarding excellence in sports-writing and provides authors and publishers a platform to showcase and promote their book. The first William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award took place in 1989, earning it the title of the longest-established competition in the industry.

The shortlist for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2023 Award will be unveiled on 26^th October, with the winner declared on 30^th November 2023 at an official award ceremony at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, London. The Award has a £30,000 cash prize for the winner and the shortlisted authors will each receive £3,000 and a leather-bound copy of their book.

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South Africa is Leading the Call for Responsible Gambling in African Countries

Published

9 hours ago

May 12, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

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South Africa is once again positioning itself as a leader in ethical gambling practices, with the upcoming Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 set to take place on 13–14 November 2025 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng. This landmark event will gather international experts, regulators, and industry professionals to address the most pressing challenges in responsible gambling across Africa.

Hosted by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) in collaboration with major regulatory bodies such as the National Gambling Board, Eastern Cape Gambling Board, and Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, the summit aims to drive forward an evidence-based, solutions-focused agenda that ensures gambling growth does not come at the cost of public well-being.

As South Africa continues to see rising participation in both land-based and gambling online, the summit is timely. It will tackle issues ranging from technological safeguards and public health integration, to policy harmonisation and vulnerable population protection.

Advocating for Safer Online Gambling

As South Africa strengthens its role in setting responsible gambling standards, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za remains at the forefront of this effort in the online casino space. Our portal is more than a online casino listing site — it is a trusted source of expert advice, consumer guidance, and responsible gambling advocacy.

Since our inception, we have maintained a clear policy: we only recommend licensed, regulated casinos in south africa that adhere to strict player protection measures. These include transparent terms, fair bonus practices, and built-in tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options.

“The online gambling landscape in South Africa is growing rapidly,” says a spokesperson for SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za. “But with growth comes responsibility. Our mission is to ensure players have access to safe, ethical gambling environments. We support the goals of the Responsible Gambling Summit and encourage every operator to prioritise the welfare of their players.”

Practical Frameworks for Change

The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 will focus on seven key thematic areas:

Understanding gambling behaviour and disorders through science-led approaches.
Overcoming barriers to effective policy implementation, including gaps in education and enforcement.
Leveraging technology, such as AI-driven risk detection and real-time player monitoring.
Adopting global regulatory best practices tailored to South African realities.
Protecting at-risk individuals and communities, especially youth and those in lower-income brackets.
Educating the public on the risks of gambling and how to stay safe.
Building international networks to ensure future readiness and consistency across borders.

Each session is designed to lead to real-world outcomes, with progress monitored and reported biennially. This commitment to transparency aligns with broader calls for industry-wide accountability.

How Players Can Gamble Responsibly

Whether you’re new to online casinos or an experienced player, here are some essential responsible gambling tips:

Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
Set a time limit before you start and stick to it.
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Avoid playing when you are upset, stressed, or intoxicated.
Use built-in responsible gaming tools provided by licensed operators.
Keep track of your play history and regularly review your habits.
Seek help if gambling is no longer fun, or if it begins to impact your personal life.

At SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, we make these practices easier by highlighting casinos that offer responsible gambling features as part of our review process. Each recommended site undergoes a thorough evaluation based on licensing, fairness, transparency, and player protection standards.

Our Commitment to the South African Gambling Community

With a growing base of South African users, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za plays an important educational role in the online gambling space. Our platform offers in-depth guides, news updates, free bonus casinos, free spins casinos and strategy articles designed to help players make informed decisions.

We actively follow developments in gambling regulation and work to ensure our listings are in line with the latest responsible gambling initiatives. As the conversation around ethical gambling evolves, so does our content — reflecting the high standards that South African players deserve.

South Africa’s leadership in responsible gambling sets a high standard not just for the continent, but for the global industry. By playing at casinos that are transparent, regulated, and committed to safety — such as those featured on SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za — players can enjoy the entertainment of gambling while staying in control.

The post South Africa is Leading the Call for Responsible Gambling in African Countries appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Latest News

South Africa is Leading the Call for Responsible Gambling in African Countries

Published

10 hours ago

May 12, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

Advocating for Safer Online Gambling

Practical Frameworks for Change

The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 will focus on seven key thematic areas:

Understanding gambling behaviour and disorders through science-led approaches.
Overcoming barriers to effective policy implementation, including gaps in education and enforcement.
Leveraging technology, such as AI-driven risk detection and real-time player monitoring.
Adopting global regulatory best practices tailored to South African realities.
Protecting at-risk individuals and communities, especially youth and those in lower-income brackets.
Educating the public on the risks of gambling and how to stay safe.
Building international networks to ensure future readiness and consistency across borders.

Each session is designed to lead to real-world outcomes, with progress monitored and reported biennially. This commitment to transparency aligns with broader calls for industry-wide accountability.

How Players Can Gamble Responsibly

Whether you’re new to online casinos or an experienced player, here are some essential responsible gambling tips:

Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
Set a time limit before you start and stick to it.
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Avoid playing when you are upset, stressed, or intoxicated.
Use built-in responsible gaming tools provided by licensed operators.
Keep track of your play history and regularly review your habits.
Seek help if gambling is no longer fun, or if it begins to impact your personal life.

Our Commitment to the South African Gambling Community

Baltics

HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025

Published

10 hours ago

May 12, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

HIPTHER is thrilled to announce the official networking and social venues for the 2025 edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, taking place on 27–28 May in Vilnius, Lithuania. With three nights of curated gatherings designed to foster connection and celebration, the summit experience is as much about meaningful encounters as it is about cutting-edge insights.

This year’s networking activities will offer attendees a perfect balance of professional engagement and relaxed atmosphere – true to HIPTHER’s signature style of blending business with warmth and hospitality.

Day 0 – 26 May: The Welcome Meet

The networking begins on the evening before the official conference, as attendees gather for a warm and informal kick-off at Piano Man Bar, a cozy local favorite in the heart of Vilnius. From 18:00 to 22:00, guests will be welcomed into a laid-back atmosphere that sets the tone for the days ahead – whether reconnecting with familiar faces or raising a glass with new ones. The Welcome Meet is all about starting the summit in a relaxed style that fosters connection: with stories, laughter, and the kind of conversations that only happen when the pressure’s off.

Day 1 – 27 May: Evening Social Gathering & BSG Awards Ceremony

On the first official conference evening, the networking continues with a celebratory gathering at Jazz Cellar 11, one of Vilnius’ most atmospheric live music venues. Kicking off at 19:45 and continuing late into the night, the event will feature the 2025 BSG Awards Ceremony, honoring excellence across the Baltic and Scandinavian gaming sectors. With HIPTHER’s well-known sense of timing, the ceremony will be brief and to the point, allowing more time for informal exchanges, smooth jazz, and a relaxed yet elegant ambiance perfect for deepening connections.

Day 2 – 28 May: Closing Party

The final evening of the summit concludes in style with the Closing Party at Invino Vilnius, a refined wine bar located in the historic center of the city. Join us for an unforgettable evening, where wine flows, conversations spark, and the energy carries on into the night. Enjoy carefully selected wines, refreshing drinks, and delicious snacks in one of Vilnius’ coziest and most atmospheric venues. Beginning at 19:30, this farewell gathering will be the ideal evening to wrap up the MARE BALTICUM experience, reflect on new insights, and say “until next time” in true HIPTHER fashion.

Gaming & TECH Insights: A Dual-Stage Theme Built for Depth & Discovery

In addition to the social calendar, HIPTHER is proud to present the two official conference stages that will host both the insightful industry panels and the highly anticipated HIPTHER Academy Workshops:

Compliance & Operations Lab – Sponsored by Pace App
Designed for regulatory minds and operational leaders, this stage will spotlight the frameworks shaping fintech, gaming, and compliance today.

TechXperience Stage – Sponsored by NuxGame
A future-forward space dedicated to innovation and tech-fueled discussions across AI, Blockchain, Fintech, virtual reality, and beyond.

Together, the stages will welcome thought leaders and industry pioneers for meaningful discussions across verticals including iGaming, eSports, Fintech, Blockchain, AI, and more – while also hosting hands-on workshops from the HIPTHER Academy.

Hands-On Learning with HIPTHER Academy Workshops

Complementing the summit’s dual-stage agenda, the HIPTHER Academy Workshops will empower professionals with actionable tools and strategic insight across critical areas of gaming, tech, and law. Topics include:

RegTech in Action: A deep dive into AML and compliance-ready frameworks for fintechs, led by ReguLearn Founder Viktorija Poluektova.
Creative Rights, Real Risks: A legal and strategic guide to sponsorships, IP, and branding in gaming and entertainment, delivered by Andrius Gabnys and Jovita Morta Gabne of GABNÉ.GABNYS.
Crypto Custody Under MiCA: A practical exploration of crypto regulation, transparency, and consumer protection under MiCA, with Anna Agu of Lex Law Office OU.
Neuroshift: A neuroscience-powered workshop on rewiring performance and leadership mindset, facilitated by Maria Loumpourdi of Made From Within.

HIPTHER’s Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, stated about this year’s Social Agenda and Conference Stages “MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit has always been more than just another industry conference. It’s a community-powered experience where people connect, collaborate, and challenge ideas in an environment that feels both professional and personal. With this year’s mix of vibrant networking venues and the dual-stage format designed to fuel serious insight and discovery, we are doubling down on what makes this summit special. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Vilnius for what promises to be our most engaging edition yet.”

The MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 promises a high-impact mix of strategic content and social experiences, creating the ideal setting for learning, inspiration, and building real industry relationships.

For more information and to view the full agenda, visit:
hipther.com/events/vilnius