McDonald’s brings back Monopoly after 10 years with a high-tech digital version. Learn how to play, win prizes, and why it boosts sales.
Table of Contents
McDonald’s Is Bringing Back Monopoly After a Decade — With a High-Tech Twist
Introduction
McDonald’s Monopoly is making a comeback in 2025 — but this time, it’s digital. The fan-favorite promotional game, once a pop culture sensation and subject of scandal, is set to return to US restaurants on October 6 for a limited time.
Instead of the classic board and stickers, the reboot focuses on the McDonald’s app and loyalty members, offering everything from free food to $1 million cash, a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 1 million American Airlines miles.
How the New McDonald’s Monopoly Works
- No physical game board — prizes are tracked digitally through the app.
- Customers can still peel physical pieces from select items (like large fries) and scan them.
- Digital game pieces are automatically given for certain mobile app orders.
- Collecting complete property sets unlocks rewards ranging from food to major prizes.
👉 Eligible food items and full rules are available directly in the McDonald’s app.
Why McDonald’s Revived Monopoly
The return of Monopoly comes at a time when McDonald’s is trying to reignite sales and boost loyalty engagement:
- Sales rose 2.5% in Q2 2025, ending a slump earlier in the year.
- Promotions tied to pop culture, like The Minecraft Movie, and the reintroduction of Extra Value Meals helped recovery.
- Loyalty is a major driver: members double their visits compared to non-members, giving McDonald’s valuable consumer data.
CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted the strategy in the latest earnings call:
“Roughly a quarter of our US business is through loyalty members. If you are part of the program, you perceive McDonald’s as offering exceptional value.”
A Look Back: The Monopoly Scandal
McDonald’s Monopoly wasn’t always just fun and fries — it was once at the center of a $20 million fraud scandal.
- In the late 1990s, security official Jerome Jacobson (“Uncle Jerry”) embezzled high-value winning pieces.
- Jacobson sold $1 million-winning tickets for $50,000 each, while accomplices redeemed them.
- The FBI busted the scheme in 2001, arresting eight people.
- HBO aired a documentary about the scandal in 2020, reigniting public interest.
Despite the scandal, the game remains one of the most iconic fast-food promotions ever created.
The Bigger Goal: Loyalty Program Growth
By tying Monopoly to its loyalty program, McDonald’s is doing more than just giving out prizes:
- Encourages repeat visits and higher spending.
- Offers restaurant owners access to customer purchase data.
- Strengthens brand loyalty among younger, app-first consumers.
The chain currently has 185 million active global loyalty users, aiming to hit 250 million by 2027.
FAQs on McDonald’s Monopoly 2025
Q1. When does McDonald’s Monopoly return?
The game relaunches in the US on October 6, 2025, for a limited time.
Q2. How do you play McDonald’s Monopoly now?
Players collect digital and physical game pieces through the McDonald’s app and select menu items. Completing property sets unlocks prizes.
Q3. What prizes can be won in McDonald’s Monopoly 2025?
Prizes include free food, loyalty reward points, $1 million cash, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 1 million American Airlines miles.
Q4. Why is McDonald’s focusing on digital Monopoly?
The digital version supports its loyalty program growth, offering a seamless experience while collecting valuable customer data.
Q5. Wasn’t McDonald’s Monopoly involved in a scandal?
Yes. In the 1990s, an insider rigged the game, leading to a $20 million fraud case uncovered by the FBI in 2001.
Conclusion
The return of McDonald’s Monopoly in 2025 is more than just nostalgia — it’s a strategic push to strengthen its loyalty program and drive sales. With big prizes and digital convenience, the game could capture a new generation of customers while reminding long-time fans why it became a cultural icon.