McDonald's has announced the return of its popular Monopoly game after a decade-long break, with a new version set to launch in 2026. This time, the promotion will be available only through the McDonald's mobile app, requiring customers to download the app, join the Rewards program, pre-register for the game, and order specific food items from a special "Monopoly at McD's" menu. Eligible items include large fries, large hot and cold drinks, and some breakfast options. Once registered, players will need to peel a game piece from their food packaging and scan it using the app to begin playing. The new Monopoly game is scheduled to start on October 6, with around 640 million game pieces available for distribution across participating locations while supplies last. Prizes range from free food items to high-value rewards like a Carnival cruise, a 2027 Jeep Cherokee, up to $50,000 toward a home down payment or college debt, and even cash prizes of up to $1 million. McDonald's described the new version as "simplified" and highlighted its unique prize list as a key feature of the promotion. McDonald's previously discontinued the Monopoly game in 2015 after a major scandal known as "McMillions," in which former police officer Jerome Jacobson stole game pieces to claim over $24 million in prizes. The scam was uncovered in August 2001 when the FBI arrested those involved. The incident led to customer frustration, as the scheme made it extremely difficult for honest players to win meaningful prizes during the 1990s. In response, McDonald's replaced Monopoly with an NFL-themed promotion called "Game Time Gold" until deciding to bring back Monopoly last year. The return of Monopoly marks a significant shift in how McDonald's engages with customers, moving from physical game pieces on packaging to a fully digital experience. The company aims to streamline the process while offering a mix of traditional and modern rewards to attract a wide range of players. With the new app-based system, McDonald's hopes to provide a more convenient and secure way for customers to participate in the game and potentially win valuable prizes.