McDonald’s is bringing back its iconic Monopoly game for the first time in almost a decade, but with a twist – digitally, and with a huge $1 million cash price tag.
The once-seen-but-now-rare promotion returns on October 6 on a limited basis, as the company hopes to win back customers on the back of both nostalgia and convenience.
In contrast to the previous paper-based version, the updated Monopoly game will be built-in to the McDonald’s mobile application. Consumers will have to be loyalty members who are registered in order to play and redeem awards. Through the transition of the game to digital, McDonald’s hopes to enhance its loyalty program as well as reach technology-enhanced consumers.
Rewards will include travel awards as well as high-ticket items. Among the highlights are 1 million American Airlines AAdvantage Miles, a trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort, a brand-new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the top prize of $1 million in cash. “Our fans have been clamoring for the return of MONOPOLY at McDonald’s, and we’re thrilled to bring it back with a modern, digital spin,” said Alyssa Buetikofer, McDonald’s chief marketing and customer experience officer.
Fans can join in on the action by downloading the McDonald’s app, enrolling in rewards, and signing up for the Monopoly game. Customers who pre-register starting September 29 through October 5 will get a 500 bonus MyMcDonald’s Rewards points as a head start. Players will also get physical or digital Monopoly game pieces during the promotion. Physical game pieces will continue to appear on certain packaging, including big fries boxes, that can be peeled off and scanned into the app. Virtual pieces, on the other hand, can be “peeled” from within the app, revealing prizes or properties instantly.
The McDonald’s Monopoly game has a rich past, as a fan favorite with customers and as the subject of one of the largest corporate scandals. During the 1990s, Jerome Jacobson, security chief at Simon Marketing, was convicted of leading a scheme whereby he diverted high-level prizes to himself and his associates. The scam bilked the promotion out of approximately $24 million, and over 50 individuals were convicted. Jacobson spent 37 months in jail and was instructed to pay over $12.5 million in restitution. The scandal subsequently inspired the HBO documentary McMillions.
This resurrection of Monopoly arrives as McDonald’s aims to increase traffic and value for its patrons. The company earlier this year also brought back Extra Value Meals, a menu segment that has not been available since 2019, to entice price-conscious consumers. The fast food chain has generally struggled, from increasing labor costs tied to minimum wage hikes to supply chain disruptions and weaker traffic.
Pricing on menus at limited-service restaurants, including fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, increased 3.3% year-over-year through July, the National Restaurant Association said. That is below the record 8.2% in April 2023 but still has consumers concerned about affordability thanks to increasing costs.
By marrying old-school gameplay with new technology, McDonald’s is gambling that the return of Monopoly, combined with eye-catching prizes, will revive customer enthusiasm and loyalty. For fast food enthusiasts and high-stakes game lovers alike, October 6 is the day long-awaited return of one of McDonald’s greatest promotions.
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