National Play Monopoly Day

Georgia Stone
Sep 07, 2023 By Georgia Stone
Originally Published on Mar 08, 2022
Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur
Learn about National Play Monopoly Day celebrating the iconic board game

Where is National Play Monopoly Day celebrated?

In March 2018, World Monopoly Day was observed by Hasbro as a one-off celebration to mark the brand’s 81st birthday in collaboration with brands featured in the then published Monopoly Empire game. However, National Play Monopoly Day is largely localized to America, where the game continues to provide countless hours of fun and enjoyment.

Who is National Play Monopoly Day celebrated by?

National Play Monopoly Day was recognized as a public-friendly and all-inclusive celebration of the iconic board game of monopoly, typically played by family, siblings, and friends. This game is celebrated by all monopoly lovers.

When did National Play Monopoly Day first start?

In the US, monopoly started as 'The Landlord's Game' in which the first person who landed on the hotel won the game. The founder and origin of this day is unknown.

Who started National Play Monopoly Day?

The origin and creator of National Play Monopoly Day remain unknown. It started being referred to as 'Play Monopoly Day' on social media sites and was later renamed National Play Monopoly Day.

History And Timeline

Monopoly was the best-selling game in the United States at the height of the Great Depression. It has since been released in 40 countries and 25 languages worldwide. Read on to find out some more interesting tidbits from its history.

The Landlord's Game Was Patented

Inspired by anti-monopolist Henry George, Lizzie Magie, an American feminist poet, created and patented the landlord's game as a protest against the feudal wealth system and the monopolists of her time.

1903

Charles B. Darrow Filed For A Patent

An American inventor Charles B. Darrow took her idea, filed for a patent, and began selling hand-made copies as his invention for $4 each!

1933

Parker Brothers Bought The Rights

Hearing about Darrow's retail success with the game in Philadelphia, Parker Brothers bought the rights to the game and published the first version in 1935.

1935

Parker Brothers Sent $1M Monopoly Money

In 1961, Parker Brothers sent a million dollars in Monopoly money to Pittsburgh for a Monopoly marathon in an armored car.

1961

The First-Ever Monopoly Championship Held

The first Monopoly Championships were held in November 1973 at Grossinger's Resort in New York.

1973

Traditions And Customs

Nothing says 'America' more than a game of monopoly, and what better day to celebrate it than National Play Monopoly Day! 87 years after the first version was published, it remains an American tradition of playing Monopoly with family members, especially on weekends or when it's raining outside.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Play Monopoly Day

When it comes to the best games for a family board game night, monopoly is a beloved American pastime. Invite everyone to a family gathering and bond over a game of monopoly. Pick up a monopoly board game and challenge your friends to a round of monopoly, snacks, and a little chit-chat. How about hosting a monopoly marathon?

Facts And Stats

  • National Play Monopoly Day celebrates a game based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Over 300 licensed variants of the Monopoly game have been created since then, each with a different theme, such as sports teams, movie franchises, TV shows, theme parks, and movies.
  • People who suffer from blindness can still celebrate National Play Monopoly Day as there's a Monopoly braille edition.
  • The Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers a Family Game Night Package with a monopoly game and fun snacks to celebrate National Play Monopoly Day.

What are some advantages of celebrating National Play Monopoly Day?

Board games can help you enhance your cognitive and social abilities, as well as teamwork and creativity.

How does celebrating National Play Monopoly Day support gaming relationships?

Playing board games like monopoly helps you come up with different strategies and tactics and also boosts teamwork and cooperation.

How do families celebrate National Play Monopoly Day together?

Families celebrate by setting aside an hour or two to spend time with family. Have a family game night or throw down a challenge to your siblings!

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, November 19, 2020
  • Friday, November 19, 2021
  • Saturday, November 19, 2022
  • Sunday, November 19, 2023
  • Tuesday, November 19, 2024

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Written by Georgia Stone

Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia Stone picture

Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.

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Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur

Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet Kaur picture

Amanpreet KaurBachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Birla Institute of Technology and Xavier Institute of Social Service respectively, coupled with her internships at Decimal Point Analytics and the Royal Bank of Scotland, has equipped her with the necessary skills to analyze complex data and present insights in an easy-to-understand format. Her paper on the impact of COVID-19 on CSR programs has received high commendation.

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