McDonald’s is bringing back its popular Monopoly game for the first time in nearly a decade — this time with a digital twist.
Starting Oct. 6, customers can play through the McDonald’s mobile app as registered loyalty members instead of using a physical game board. The promotion will only run for a limited time.
Prizes range from 1 million American Airlines AAdvantage Miles to a trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort, a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and even a $1 million cash prize. "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, the company’s chief marketing and customer experience officer.
To participate, customers must download the app, opt into rewards, and register. Those who pre-register between Sept. 29 and Oct. 5 will get 500 bonus MyMcDonald’s Rewards points. Game pieces can be earned either digitally through the app or physically on certain packaging, such as large fries boxes. Physical pieces are scanned into the app, while digital ones can be “peeled” instantly inside the app.
The game is infamous for a scandal in the 1990s, when Jerome Jacobson, head of security at McDonald’s marketing firm Simon Marketing, rigged the system and funneled top prizes to his network. The fraud stole roughly $24 million before Jacobson was caught, sentenced to 37 months in prison, and ordered to pay $12.5 million in restitution.
McDonald’s hopes the nostalgic promotion will help drive traffic at a time when fast-food chains are struggling with rising labor costs, higher supply expenses, and more price-sensitive consumers. The company also recently brought back Extra Value Meals for the first time since 2019.
Industry data shows menu prices at limited-service restaurants rose 3.3% year-over-year as of July, after peaking at 8.2% in April 2023. Chains like McDonald’s are now leaning on loyalty programs, value deals, and promotions like Monopoly to win back budget-conscious diners.