Who Invented Monopoly? History of the World’s Most Popular Board Game

The Origins of Monopoly – The Landlord’s Game (1903)

Before Monopoly existed, there was The Landlord’s Game, designed by Elizabeth Magie in 1903.

• Purpose: Magie created the game to teach economic concepts and demonstrate the negative effects of wealth inequality.
• Gameplay: Players bought property, paid rent, and competed to accumulate wealth — mechanics that strongly resemble Monopoly today.
• Patent: Magie patented her game in 1904, introducing a system that highlighted the dangers of monopolies in society.

Key Insight: Magie’s original intention wasn’t to glorify monopolies but to show how unbalanced wealth distribution harms communities.

The Evolution of the Game – From Magie to Darrow (1920s–1930s)

During the 1920s and early 1930s, homemade versions of The Landlord’s Game spread across the U.S.

• Players adapted the Monopoly game rules, added Atlantic City street names, and experimented with different property values.
• Regional versions of the game appeared everywhere, paving the way for a more standardized design.
• One player introduced the game to Charles Darrow, a salesman who saw potential in commercializing it.

Charles Darrow and the Rise of Monopoly (1933)

In 1933, Charles Darrow developed his own refined version of the game and officially named it Monopoly.

• Darrow introduced the now-iconic Atlantic City property names still used in many editions today.
• Added Chance and Community Chest cards, making gameplay more dynamic.
• Initially, Parker Brothers rejected his design, calling it too complicated.
• Undeterred, Darrow began producing and selling homemade Monopoly sets — and they quickly gained popularity.

By 1935, Parker Brothers reversed their decision and struck a deal with Darrow to publish the game.

Parker Brothers’ Monopoly Boom (1935 and Beyond)

Parker Brothers purchased Elizabeth Magie’s patent for The Landlord’s Game for just $500 and began mass-producing Monopoly.

• The game became a nationwide success during the Great Depression, providing affordable entertainment for families.
• Within just a few years, Monopoly had sold over 1 million copies.
• By the 1940s, it had become an international phenomenon, spreading across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Monopoly Today – A Global Phenomenon

Today, Monopoly is owned by Hasbro, which acquired Parker Brothers in 1991.

• More than 275 million copies have been sold worldwide.
• Available in 47+ languages and sold in 114 countries.
• Hundreds of themed editions exist, from Star Wars Monopoly to Pokémon Monopoly and even luxury collector’s sets.
• The digital era introduced Monopoly Go, Monopoly Plus, and various online and mobile adaptations.

Monopoly has evolved from a teaching tool about wealth inequality into a cultural icon with global reach.

Timeline of Monopoly’s History

Fun Facts About Monopoly’s History

• The most expensive Monopoly set ever created was valued at over $2 million, featuring solid gold and diamond-encrusted pieces.
• During World War II, special Monopoly sets smuggled maps, compasses, and money to help Allied prisoners escape.
• The longest Monopoly game ever recorded lasted 70 straight days.
• There are now 300+ themed editions, including Marvel, Fortnite, Friends, and even Monopoly for Millennials.

Conclusion

The history of Monopoly is a story of innovation, controversy, and massive success. While Elizabeth Magie laid the foundation in 1903 with The Landlord’s Game, it was Charles Darrow and Parker Brothers who transformed it into the game we know today. Over a century later, Monopoly remains one of the most beloved, competitive, and recognizable board games in the world — a true classic that continues to evolve for new generations of players.