McDonald’s Revives Monopoly After Nearly a Decade with a Chance to Win a $1 Million Cash Prize

McDonald’s Reignites Monopoly Fever with Innovative Digital Game
McDonald’s Revamps Monopoly Game with App Integration
McDonald’s is set to reignite nostalgia and excitement by relaunching its legendary Monopoly game, now offered in a digital format through its mobile app. Starting October 6, this popular promotion returns for the first time in nearly a decade, enticing customers to engage through digital gameplay as part of the McDonald’s loyalty program.
Lucrative Prizes Await Participants
Customers participating in this year’s Monopoly game stand a chance to win incredible prizes. These include 1 million American Airlines AAdvantage Miles, an adventurous trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort, a brand-new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, or potentially a $1 million cash prize. McDonald’s aims to encourage new sign-ups and engagement within its loyalty ecosystem through these enticing offerings.
How to Play the Digital Monopoly Game
To partake in the Monopoly fun, customers need to download the McDonald’s app, opt into the rewards, and register for the game. Those who pre-register between September 29 and October 5 will receive an enticing bonus of 500 MyMcDonald’s Rewards points. During the event, loyalty members can earn either physical game pieces, like those found on large fry boxes, or digital pieces directly in the app.
For physical pieces, participants simply peel from the packaging and scan them within the app to unveil prizes or collect digital properties. Digital pieces allow players to ‘peel’ within the app, receiving immediate feedback on their winnings or property collection.
Reviving Customer Engagement with Nostalgic Games
Alyssa Buetikofer, McDonald’s chief marketing and customer experience officer, expressed the brand’s enthusiasm for reintroducing the game: “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.”
This move aligns with McDonald’s strategy to enhance its value proposition, recently supplemented by the return of Extra Value Meals, aiming to attract budget-conscious customers and revitalize foot traffic.
Fast-Food Sector Faces Economic Challenges
The fast-food industry, including McDonald’s, has encountered several challenges such as cost pressures from supply chain disruptions and increased labor expenses due to minimum wage hikes, notably in California. As of July, limited-service restaurant prices rose by 3.3% year-over-year, an improvement from the 8.2% peak in April 2023, according to the National Restaurant Association.
Looking Past the ‘McMillions’ Scandal
Despite its past association with the infamous ‘McMillions’ scandal where prizes were illegally funneled by an insider in the 1990s, McDonald’s Monopoly continues to charm participants. This year’s digital format aims to provide a secure and exhilarating experience, drawing consumers back to their favorite fast-food chain for both nostalgia and potential reward.