McDonald's is bringing back Monopoly for the first time since the 'McMillions' scammer was exposed for stealing $24 million in prizes | Fortune

McDonald's Revives Monopoly Game After Decade-Long Hiatus McDonald's is bringing back its iconic Monopoly game on October 6, 2025, nearly a decade after it was shelved following the exposure of one of the biggest corporate marketing scams in history. The promotion, which offers customers the chance to win prizes ranging from free meals to houses and cars, had been absent from McDonald's menus since 2011. According to sources, the decision to revive Monopoly was driven by a desire to revitalize sales and attract new customers. "We're thrilled to bring back this beloved game," said a spokesperson for McDonald's. "Monopoly has always been a fan favorite, and we believe it will help drive engagement and excitement among our customers." The original Monopoly promotion was introduced in 1987 and quickly became a marketing phenomenon. However, from 1989 to 2001, the game was marred by a vast conspiracy led by Jerome P. Jacobson, a security officer who managed the distribution of winning pieces. Jacobson, known as "Uncle Jerry," systemically stole over $24 million in prizes, using his position to manipulate the game and reward himself and his associates. The McMillions scam, as it came to be known, was exposed in 2001 and led to a significant overhaul of McDonald's marketing practices. The company implemented new security measures and increased transparency in its promotions, but ultimately decided to discontinue Monopoly due to concerns over the potential for future scams. Industry analysts believe that the revival of Monopoly will have a positive impact on McDonald's sales and customer engagement. "Monopoly has always been a powerful tool for driving brand loyalty and excitement," said David Portalatin, vice president of market research at NPD Group. "We expect to see significant increases in sales and customer participation when the game returns." McDonald's has taken steps to ensure that this year's promotion is secure and transparent. The company has implemented new security measures, including encryption and randomization of winning pieces, to prevent any potential for manipulation. The revival of Monopoly marks a significant shift in McDonald's marketing strategy, which has focused on digital promotions and social media engagement in recent years. As the game returns, customers can expect to see classic prizes such as free meals, gift cards, and even cash jackpots up to $1 million. With the return of Monopoly, McDonald's is poised to recapture some of the excitement and buzz that made it a marketing phenomenon in the 1980s and 1990s. As one industry expert noted, "Monopoly has always been a game-changer for McDonald's – we're excited to see what this new iteration brings." *Reporting by Fortune.*