The basic idea is that kids like to play games. Playing the games creates data. The data usually evaporates once the game is over, but we capture it and make it available for students to analyze and improve their game play.
Put another way, we create an engaging context in which math and statistics are useful. This motivates students to learn the targeted concepts—so they can do better at the game.
Understanding the data is the key to success—it is very difficult to succeed at the desired levels of the games without understanding the math or statistics. We give students easy-to-use data analysis tools (graphs, for example). Students make graphs, draw conclusions, improve their strategies, and succeed.