Purpose - The game-based learning has been used very successfully in some areas of formal education. In construction management, there is an increased uptake of games in teaching and learning. Focusing on a bidding game, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate its ability in enhancing students' learning. The specific objectives are to: examine the effectiveness of the game as a teaching mechanism; explore students' learning experience, preference and motivation to participate in the game; and identify the relationship between game features and students' learning experience and overall satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach - This paper adopted a survey research design. A questionnaire survey was conducted in two universities in Australia, involving 100 students in the gameplay. Findings - The results show that the overall student feedback is positive with the vast majority of the students enjoying the learning experience. Students from both institutions have indicated their preference for group-based game sessions. However, the students have divergent opinions about the game incentive and motivation. It is found that there are significant correlations between some of the game features and students' learning experience and overall satisfaction. Practical implications - The bidding game clearly has potential for adaptation in construction bidding-related courses. Educators could consider incorporating the significant game features towards improving students' learning experience and overall satisfaction. Originality/value - Given there are limited studies that aimed at evaluating educational games, the student feedback in this research should facilitate more critical and reflective process for incorporating similar form of games in teaching construction management and bidding-related courses.