Jogos de Habilidade, Jogos de Azar e Probabilidades: Uma Abordagem Educacional

Abstract

The present study investigates the history and the mathematical foundations of games, with an emphasis on both skill-based and chance-based games, highlighting how playing them can influence financial education and the development of critical awareness among young people. For this purpose, the adopted approach analyzes cultural aspects of skill-based games such as Chess and Go, which stand out for the absence of luck, as well as games of chance such as Dice, Blackjack, sports betting, and Lotteries, in which randomness plays a central role. The dissertation also presents an overview of Game Theory, highlighting the concept of Nash Equilibrium and its practical applicability in both economic and everyday contexts, seeking to broaden the understanding of the logic behind strategic decision-making. The interdisciplinary approach combines mathematics, psychology, and education, demonstrating how the illusion of control, impulsivity, and misunderstanding of probabilities foster risk-taking behavior, particularly among young people. In this sense, Brazil’s National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) is used as a guiding document, as it regulates the inclusion of the topic in schools, seeking to develop statistical thinking and conscious decision-making. The growth of online betting and the resulting indebtedness are shown in the section dedicated to financial awareness. The social and psychological impacts of gambling addiction are also addressed. Educational interventions and case studies are proposed. They demonstrate the effectiveness of pedagogical activities aimed at clarifying the real odds of winning. Lastly, the teaching sequence presents suggestions for practical lessons such as game simulations, probability analyses in playful contexts, and case studies. These aim to bring students closer to mathematical content through concrete situations. This document emphasizes that teaching probability through skill-based games as a teaching resource can enhance the understanding of the mathematical content involved and also create social and ethical implications, contributing to the formation of critical, autonomous, and financially conscious citizens. Keywords: probability; gambling; skill-based games; financial education; interdisciplinary teaching; BNCC.