**Forum Guidelines**

[Kevloaf]

As we'll be having a few new members I thought I best post up a few bits to help, and a reminder for everyone really

• Anyone that signs up, I would nudge you to make a little introduction here https://www.fatjockey.com/forum/fat-...ge7#post303425 (similar to whatever you emailed me) so we can get to know you all.

• You will notice a Members Only section for 'Cheltenham Diaries'.... this is a place you can record and talk about your own ante post bets. This is so we don't 'clog up' race threads. It's where you can ask for advice on your own approach and keep on track/let others see how you're getting along. you don't have to however it does give you a bit more credibility in my ever so humble opinion. https://www.fatjockey.com/forum/fat-...tepost-diaries

• We don't encourage after timing or using 'actual' cash figures.... Whatever a 'normal' bet for you is, please refer to it as 1 point.

E.g. If you usually bet 20 quid, but you really fancied a selection and had 60 quid on.... you'd say "3 pts at 2/1" rather than 60 quid at 2/1.

• A bug bear... Don't state opinions as facts... we love strong opinions, but just add IMO and problem solved.... otherwise people take it literally and threads can get a bit tedious and you'll get jumped on and look silly

• It's a friendly forum, we're all on the same side and asking questions and debating is what we're on here for...

• Emojis help 'the tone'.... - As we're writing and reading, things can come across rude, brutal, offensive when often that isn't the case... if you are doing a bit of light ribbing, works fine.

[Old Vic]

For most of us here gambling on horses is a hobby but if any of the stuff below applies then this isn't a site for you.

Getting help to control your gambling


We know that gambling can lead to problems for some individuals and their families. Is your gambling causing a problem for you or others around you?

The following signs may indicate a problem:

• spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford
• finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling
• having arguments with family or friends about money and gambling
• losing interest in usual activities or hobbies like going out with friends or spending time with family
• always thinking or talking about gambling
• lying about your gambling or hiding it from other people
• chasing losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble
• gambling until all of your money is gone
• borrowing money, selling possessions or not paying bills in order to pay for gambling
• needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for a longer time to get the same feeling of excitement or buzz
• neglecting work, school, family, personal needs or household responsibilities because of gambling
• feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable.

More information about the signs of problem gambling can be found on the Gambleaware and Gamcare websites. They also provide general information about gambling, including how to gamble safely and where to get help if you or someone you know has problems with their gambling. You can call the national gambling helpline free of charge on 0808 8020 133 (24 hours a day).

This list of problem gambling organisations can also help you find a service that is right for you.
Need help?


If you would like information about responsible gambling, including how to access confidential support and advice, visit the BeGambleAware website.




If you or someone you know has been affected by gambling you can contact the National Gambling Helpline 24 hours a day on 0808 8020133 or visit the GamCare website.


Listed below are some of the organisations and services available in the UK:

Organisations that provide help and advice on gambling matters
BeGambleAware.org	A website that gives advice on gambling responsibly – this means making choices based on all the facts, and staying in control of how much time and money you spend.
Problem gambling
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust Tel: 020 7534 6699 / 6687	Treats problem gamblers in England and Wales who are aged 16 and over. It assesses the needs of problem gamblers as well as those of their partners and family members, and offers evidence based treatments as well as interventions to assist with financial, employment, social and relationship difficulties.
The Christian Centre for Gambling Rehabilitation	A Chinese Christian charity established in 1996 that helps mainly Chinese-speaking problem gamblers to stop gambling and recover from their addiction and its adverse effects. They provide information, advice and support services which include counselling, money advice and group meetings to pathological gamblers and their relatives and friends.
Count Me Out	A not for profit social enterprise that aims to help vulnerable children and adults who are addicted to, harmed or exploited by gambling by promoting self-exclusion and social responsibility.
Gam-Anon	Support to those affected by another person's gambling. A fellowship of men and women who are husbands, wives, relatives or close friends who have been affected by problem gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous National helpline number: 02073 843040	A fellowship of men and women who have joined together to do something about their own gambling problem and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.
Gamban	Gamban is an easy to use application which blocks online gambling on all installed devices. It is available across all platforms and helps people who want to stop gambling from accessing gambling sites and apps.
Gamblock	Gamblock helps prevent gambling sites running on your PC. Once downloaded, users are directed to the GamBlock website when trying to access a gambling website. The GamBlock website also provides advice to people who have problems controlling their gambling.
GamCare National helpline number: 0808 8020133	A registered charity that takes a non-judgemental approach to gambling, and a leading authority on the provision of information, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling.
Gordon Moody Association Tel: 01384 241292	Provides residential treatment for severely addicted gamblers, as well as providing outreach support and internet counselling service.
Consumer support
Citizens Advice	Helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice, and by influencing policymakers.
Debt support organisations
Money Advice Service	An independent service, set up by government, to help people manage their money.
Debt Advice Foundation	A UK debt advice charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt.
Debt Support Trust Tel: 0800 058 0226	A not for profit debt charity with trained, friendly debt advisors ready to advise you on available debt solutions.
National Debtline National helpline number: 08088 084000	Provides free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.
StepChange Debt Charity Tel: 0800 138 1111	A debt advice organisation offering free, confidential and impartial debt help to anyone who needs it, available online 24 hours a day.
Other support organisations
Action for Children	Helps children achieve their full potential, through services that support some of the most vulnerable and excluded children in the UK.
Counselling Directory	Provides a counselling support network, enabling those in distress to find a counsellor close to them and appropriate for their needs.
Samaritans UK helpline number: 116 123	A 24 hours a day service providing confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.

Boring but important.

[Kevloaf]

A timely bump

[robith]

Not a full guideline per se, but maybe some best practise - if you're quoting a long post, maybe pull out the part of it you want to reply to, rather than block quoting the whole thing. My thumbs are ravaged by years of gaming, don't make scrolling harder for me!

[Faugheen_Machine]

Not a full guideline per se, but maybe some best practise - if you're quoting a long post, maybe pull out the part of it you want to reply to, rather than block quoting the whole thing. My thumbs are ravaged by years of gaming, don't make scrolling harder for me!

We did have this as an unwritten rule a few years back but it seems to have lapsed - I'm as guilty as anyone