Child playing game in front of a monitor
Many popular games played by youth have elements of gambling and while gaming, youth may be gambling without even noticing it.

Jumping Jamboree

A game that combines skill with chance, developed by the YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP).

This fun and interactive educational game is not a gambling activity. It is designed to include gambling components to demonstrate how the lines between gambling and gaming can be blurred. In the game, participants will play as a panda, avoiding obstacles by jumping and ducking to try to make it to the end of each level. While playing, players will accumulate coins which can either be collected or wagered in an in-game slot machine or used to unlock a loot box.

Jumping Jamboree game

Play the game and then move on to the sections below to learn about the differences between skill– and chance-based activities. Learn how loot box unlocking or a freemium game can become gambling, and how to stay safe if you choose to engage in gambling and gaming.

game screen

Is Loot Box Unboxing Gambling?

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Are Freemium Games Gambling?

Are Freemium Games Gambling?

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Gambling-Like Activities in Games

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 Blurred Lines Between Gaming & Gambling

Blurred Lines Between Gaming & Gambling

When we talk about gaming and gambling, it’s important to talk about how the lines between these two activities can get blurred. This ha...

Is Jumping Jamboree a Gambling Activity?

Is Jumping Jamboree a Gambling Activity?

Gambling is risking something of value on an uncertain event and not knowing if you are going to win or lose. This can...

Who We Are

The YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) is a free service, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health. It's designed to raise awareness among youth about gambling, and encourage healthy/active living and making informed decisions. YGAP provides a multi-faceted and innovative approach to problem-gambling prevention through outreach, education, and awareness-building activities like community involvement events and youth engagement projects.

YGAP’s work in the community includes a variety of tools and activities, fitting the needs of individuals and communities. These include:

  • Awareness-raising activities/workshops
  • Youth engagement projects
  • Community involvement projects
  • Community health fairs/events
  • Advisory council and partnership committees
  • Referral services
Youth Engagement

Youth Engagement

Community Involvement

Community Involvement

Advisory Council

Advisory Council

Events/Fairs

Events/Fairs

Referral Services

Referral Services

Book a Workshop

Book a Workshop