Monopoly marks 75th by giving out real money

Monopoly is celebrating its 75th anniversary by giving away its bank – literally.

In a competition beginning today on the board game's official website (www.monopoly.com), running until September 3, fans are being asked to imagine what they’d do if the play money in their own Monopoly game – which equals to $20,580 (Dh75,594) – was turned into real cash.

The popular trading game's 'Money Makes It Real' contest is asking for descriptions in 75 words or less of how people would spend the bank in real life, whether it’s on traveling, home repairs, or any other activity reflecting the spirit of the game. Submissions will be voted on and narrowed down to 75 finalists who’ll be considered for the grand prize come September 27.

Additionally, makers will also be giving away a bonus game bank of the same value to SOS Children’s Villages, a charity organisation that builds houses for abandoned and at risk children so that they can grow up in a loving home. For 75 hours from September 27 at 3am UAE time, the public can vote for the project they want to see funded.  Projects include day care, medical supplies, school fees, seeds for family farms, soccer balls or training courses and more.

Monopoly first came onto the scene in 1935 after Parker Brothers put the trading game – which was designed by Charles Darrow – onto the market. Seventy-five years later, more than 1 billion people in 111 countries have played the game.

Over the years, the game and the rules have remained virtually unchanged though the outer packaging has gone through many revisions. There have also been various limited editions of the board game released, including ones themed around SpiderMan, The Simpsons and Manchester United.

A recent survey by the game's maker Hasbro found that 60 per cent of Monopoly players admit imagining their winnings are real, while 70 per cent would use it to pay off debt, and 54 per cent would buy something for the family.

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