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Arcade Economy Audit

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Grades 6-860-75 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Teams analyze a simple arcade-style game's odds and payouts, calculating whether it's actually fair to players or quietly stacked in the house's favor.

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Prep: 15 minActivity: 30 min1 session~$0/groupOne table or a clear section of floorBeginner-friendly

Setup

Print or hand-copy the essential prompt for Arcade Economy Audit, then set out only paper, pencils, and the common or recycled items needed for one test. Use a tabletop representation whenever the original version mentions a room, specialized device, or digital tool; the learning comes from the decisions and evidence, not elaborate scenery.

Activity

  1. Play a sample arcade-style game several times and predict the true odds of winning based on the rules.
  2. Calculate the theoretical payout rate and compare it to what the game actually pays out in tickets or prizes.
  3. Run more trials, find the real results don't match the predicted odds, and investigate what rule or bias explains the gap.
  4. Present an audit report rating the game's fairness and recommending a change to its payout structure.

Done when: The group has completed Arcade Economy Audit when it can present an audit report rating the game's fairness and recommending a change to its payout structure and point to the observation, measurement, comparison, or trial that supports its conclusion.

Materials

dice, playing cards, small prize tokens, calculator, notebook, poster board

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Play a sample arcade-style game several times and predict the true odds of winning based on the rules.
  2. Calculate the theoretical payout rate and compare it to what the game actually pays out in tickets or prizes.
  3. Run more trials, find the real results don't match the predicted odds, and investigate what rule or bias explains the gap.
  4. Present an audit report rating the game's fairness and recommending a change to its payout structure.