McDonald’s Brings Back Monopoly Game with $471 Million in Prizes and Fraud-Proof Rules

CLEVELAND 13 (WCTU) — McDonald’s just brought back its iconic Monopoly promotion in the United States this Monday, marking its first return in nearly nine years. The fast-food giant is reviving the game with a new digital twist, pairing the classic peel-and-win experience with in-app play and Bonus Games designed to boost app engagement and drive Q4 sales.

“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, senior vice president and chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald’s USA.

The 2025 version of the game allows customers to receive physical or digital game pieces when they purchase eligible menu items such as McMuffins, Filet-O-Fish, or Chicken McNuggets. Game pieces fall into two categories: Instant Win, which can reward players with food items, reward points, or other immediate prizes; and Collect-to-Win, which involve assembling property sets for a shot at larger prizes.

New this year is the in-app Bonus Play feature, which gives users a second chance at winning when they scan their game pieces through the McDonald’s app. Bonus Play ends on Nov. 2, but overall game registration and entry details are managed through the McDonald’s app and website.

Prizes for the 2025 promotion include a $1 million cash grand prize, 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokees, trips to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Uber Eats gift cards, and a wide array of food and loyalty point giveaways. The total prize pool is valued at an estimated $471 million, with Instant Win odds pegged at roughly 1 in 5.25.

The return of Monopoly at McDonald’s is both a nod to nostalgia and a calculated business move. The game first debuted in 1987 and quickly became a cultural staple, drawing crowds eager to collect rare properties like Boardwalk and Park Place. However, the promotion was paused after 2016, largely due to the lingering impact of a massive fraud scandal that marred its reputation.

In the early 2000s, the game’s credibility was rocked by revelations that Jerome Jacobson, a security director for the marketing firm overseeing the promotion, had rigged the system by funneling winning pieces to accomplices, resulting in more than $24 million in fraudulent claims. The scandal, which eventually led to federal convictions and was later the subject of the HBO documentary McMillion$, forced McDonald’s to reevaluate the integrity of its promotional systems.

This year, the company has made clear it has implemented significant fraud prevention measures, including the requirement for app-based registration and digital tracking to enhance transparency and accountability.

The relaunch also reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior and brand engagement. By integrating the game into its mobile app, McDonald’s is not just resurrecting a beloved promotion but also deepening customer loyalty and gathering valuable user data. It’s a strategic move in an increasingly competitive fast-food market, where digital experiences play a growing role in customer retention.

As with previous versions, there are limits on daily entries, and all players must register through the McDonald’s app to participate in the digital features of the game. Claim and redemption rules vary based on the type of prize and are detailed in the official mechanics online.

McDonald’s Monopoly also returns in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Ireland, each with localized rules, odds, and timelines. For U.S. players, the game kicks off on Oct. 6 with Bonus Play running through Nov. 2, and additional deadlines for prize claims posted through McDonald’s corporate site.

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