National Play Monopoly Day

A joyful group of people gathered around a Monopoly board, with vintage attire and a nostalgic living room setting.. — National play monopoly day illustration

Welcome to National Play Monopoly Day! Get ready to dive into the world of buying properties, collecting rent, and landing on those pesky 'Go to Jail' spaces. It's a day dedicated to the classic board game that has caused countless family feuds and taught us all a thing or two about finance. So grab your dice, count your Monopoly money, and let's roll into the history of this beloved game.

When is Play Monopoly Day?

It's national play monopoly day on the 19th November.

The Internet History of National Play Monopoly Day

Monopoly, created by Charles Darrow in the early 1930s, has become one of the most popular board games in history. But did you know that the origins of the game date back even further?

The precursor to Monopoly can be traced back to a game called 'The Landlord's Game,' created by Elizabeth Magie in 1904. This game was actually designed as a critique of the monopoly power of landowners, with players learning about the negative effects of rent collection and land monopolies. It wasn't until decades later that Charles Darrow tweaked the game and sold it to Parker Brothers, leading to the version we know and love today.

Since the Internet era began, Monopoly has become a digital sensation. Online versions of the game have allowed players from all around the world to buy, trade, and build virtual empires. There's even a Facebook version of the game that lets you compete with your friends, proving once and for all who the true real estate tycoon is.

Celebrating National Play Monopoly Day has taken on a whole new dimension with the rise of social media. People share pictures of their triumphant wins, hilarious losses, and inventive house rules. It's a day to reconnect with friends and family, dust off that old game board, and let the dice decide your fate.

Did You Know?

The longest game of Monopoly ever played lasted for 70 straight days! It took place in 1982 and involved four players who were determined to be the last one standing. Talk about dedication!

History behind the term 'Play Monopoly'

1933

The Birth of Monopoly

In 1933, an unemployed American named Charles Darrow invented the game of Monopoly during the Great Depression. He designed the game as a way to entertain his friends and family during difficult times. Darrow's version of the game was inspired by a similar game called 'The Landlord's Game' created by Elizabeth Magie in 1904.

1935

Acquiring the Monopoly Rights

After playing and refining the game, Charles Darrow decided to market it. He obtained a copyright for the game in 1933 and approached Parker Brothers, a well-known game manufacturer, to sell his idea. Initially, Parker Brothers rejected the game due to its similarities to 'The Landlord's Game'. However, after the game gained popularity through homemade versions, Parker Brothers reconsidered and acquired the rights to Monopoly in 1935.

1936

Commercial Success and Copyright Battle

Once Parker Brothers started producing Monopoly, it quickly became a commercial success. However, the game's success also attracted legal disputes. In 1936, the original creator of 'The Landlord's Game', Elizabeth Magie, finally patented her game, claiming that Darrow had stolen her ideas. Parker Brothers settled with Magie, paying her $500 and officially recognizing her as the game's originator.

1941

Monopoly Goes Global

During World War II, the British Secret Service commissioned the production of a special edition of Monopoly to be distributed to Allied prisoners of war. This edition included hidden maps, compasses, and real money hidden within the game. The game became a tool to aid escape attempts and was instrumental in providing vital assistance to prisoners of war.

1973

The Monopoly Championships Begin

In 1973, the first Monopoly World Championship took place in Grossinger's Resort in New York. Players from several countries participated in the tournament, where they competed to be crowned the world champion. The competitions continued to be held periodically, with the most recent championship taking place in 2019.

1983

The Introduction of Themed Editions

In 1983, Parker Brothers introduced the first themed edition of Monopoly. The special edition featured Atlantic City but had customized features related to the city, such as landmarks, streets, and businesses. This marked the beginning of a trend where Monopoly editions started featuring various themes, including popular movies, famous cities, sports teams, and more.

1998

The Digital Age of Monopoly

Monopoly made its transition into the digital age in 1998 with the release of the first computerized version of the game. This allowed players to enjoy the classic experience on their computers or gaming consoles, paving the way for further adaptations and the popular online version of the game, available on platforms such as smartphones and tablets.