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Roll the Dice on These Top 9 Fascinating Fun Facts About Monopoly

illustration of monopoly
Dive into the world of colorful cash and clever capitalism as we explore mind-blowing fun facts about everyone's favorite property trading board game – Monopoly!

1. Cheater's Edition for Sneaky Players

In a world where Bank Heist: Board Game Edition is all too real, Monopoly players have embraced their inner Al Capone: A Hasbro study revealed that nearly 50% of players cheat during the game, prompting the release of a "Cheater's Edition" complete with 15 cheat cards, potential rewards, and even handcuffs for those caught red-handed (or hotel-handed).
Source => insider.com

2. Meet Milburn Pennybags, the Monopoly Mascot

Before the top hat-wearing, mustache-twirling, cane-wielding tycoon dominated the board game scene, he was just a dapper chap without a name, wandering through the streets paved with Parker Brothers' dreams. But alas, every Monopoly maven must have a moniker: It wasn't until 1946, with the release of the game Rich Uncle, that our nameless, monocled hero became Milburn Pennybags, as confirmed by Monopoly Companion author Philip Orbanes.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

3. WWII Escape Maps in Monopoly Boxes

Who needs a Get Out of Jail Free card when you've got a silk map up your sleeve?: During World War II, UK-based manufacturer John Waddington's crafted secret escape maps printed on silk, rayon, and tissue paper, concealed them within Monopoly game boards, chess sets, and packs of cards, then disguised all as charitable donations sent to Allied prisoners of war, helping them break free from their captors.
Source => theguardian.com

4. Civil War Soldiers Paid in Collectible Coins

Who needs penny-pinching when you've got greenbacks to spare? During the American Civil War, folks hoarded coins like it was their favorite pastime: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing stepped up to the challenge by printing paper notes in denominations of 3 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and 50 cents, which were then used to pay bewildered but grateful Civil War soldiers.
Source => financeintheclassroom.org

Tokens Battle Royale: Out with the Old, In with the New

5. Tokens Battle Royale: Out with the Old, In with the New

In a battle royale of game pieces that would make even the hungriest of hippos jealous, Monopoly tokens waged war for their spot on the board: In 2017, over 4 million voters took part in Hasbro's "Monopoly Token Madness" campaign, ultimately vanquishing the beloved thimble, boot, and wheelbarrow from the game, whilst crowning the T. rex, rubber ducky, and penguin as the newcomers in the classic pastime's box of trinkets.
Source => cnbc.com

6. Universal Showdown: The Monopoly World Championship

What do 1973, Monopoly, and a resort in New York have in common? Free parking, bagels, and Uncle Pennybags' favorite showdown, of course! Ladies and gentlemen, put on your top hats and fasten your money belts: The first Monopoly World Championship took place at Grossinger's Resort in November 1973, and by 1975, it evolved into an international face-off. Fast forward to 2015, Nicolò Falcone from Italy snagged the title in Macau, along with a cool $20,580, which just so happens to be the precise sum of Monopoly money in the game set used at the tournament!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Earthopoly: Saving the Planet One Board Game at a Time

Who says board games can't be eco-warriors in disguise? Meet Earthopoly: the Monopoly game's green cousin that thinks twice before leaving an environmental footprint. Not only do you collect Carbon Credits and trade them in for Clean Air, but every part of the game is manufactured lovingly and sustainably: vegetable oil-based ink, recyclable and natural game pieces, a 100 percent recycled chipboard box, with wind, hydro, and biogas providing the electricity to create it all. Mother Nature can rest easy knowing Earthopoly's got her back.
Source => earthfriendlygoodies.com

8. The Ultimate $2 Million Monopoly Set

Who needs a Golden Ticket when you can own the board? We've found the "blingopoly" that would make even Mr. Monopoly green with envy: A $2 million Monopoly set features 18-carat gold, luxury cards, rubies, sapphires, and 42 full-cut diamonds. But alas, the houses and hotels remain mere mortals – made of standard Monopoly game pieces.
Source => insidehook.com

9. Record-Breaking Monopoly Games in Extreme Locations

When Mr. Monopoly decided to take a splash in the tub, he didn't realize he'd be soaking in bubblicious record-breaking territory: It is reported that a 99-hour Monopoly game once unfolded in a bathtub, which was later trumped by an underground match spanning 100 hours and a sky-high tree house game enduring a whopping 240 hours.
Source => sportsnhobbies.org

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