Why McDonald's Monopoly has been axed this year
McDonald’s has confirmed the real reason why its classic Monopoly promotion will not return to the United Kingdom in the coming weeks.
The year is 2006: Hannah Montana premiered on Disney Channel, Guy Fieri won season two of The Next Food Network Star, and New York City sparked a major health shift by banning artificial trans fats in restaurant foods.
Meanwhile, over in Britain, McDonald’s introduced its version of Monopoly—a now two-decade-old tradition.
It saw fast-food fans picking up fries, burgers, and shakes in the hopes of winning free luxury cars, food items, and experience day passes.
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McDonald’s Monopoly ran from 10 September to 21 October last year—but if you thought it would be the same again in 2026, you’re dead wrong.
Sadly, the American chain has announced that the beloved game has been axed.
A spokesperson confirmed: “We know how much our customers love our promotions, from the brand-new launch of CARDS in March, to our first-ever XBOX partnership as part of the Side Missions launch.
"We're always looking for new ways to surprise and delight our customers, and while Monopoly won't feature in 2026, we'll continue listening closely to what they enjoy most as we shape future promotions."
Fans react to McDonald’s Monopoly axe
Naturally, fans are gutted, with one taking to social media to write: “I'm shocked, the one event where you get everyone go buy s**t to just play."
“But I was definitely going to win the car this year,” someone else joked.
A third remarked: “McDonald’s Monopoly disappearing is how you know civilization is healing in all the wrong ways. I was one Park Lane away from generational wealth.”
Others seemingly aren’t as sad to see the back of the campaign, with another typing: “Because it sucked. 95 percent of the prizes you got were worthless. ‘Free activity session at some place 5hrs from you’. The other 5 percent were a free small drink.”
“You'd be lucky to get any of the big prizes anyway. At one point it was literally a scam where the winning stickers for the big prizes were never released to the public even,” a second alleged. “It never recovered from that massive fallout and has been a terrible investment since.”
“I'll spend my £50,000 elsewhere haha,” joked a third.
McDonald’s Side Missions is live
Whilst the news that McDonald’s Monopoly has been retired for 2026 may be upsetting, there is some good news—a limited-time game-inspired menu is currently on offer across the UK.
Featuring chicken nuggets lifted from Japan, a Sprite Zero concoction inspired by Forza Horizon 6, and fiery buffalo dips, the Side Missions menu is a must for all Xbox heroes.
Tim Kenward, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: "Gaming is all about imagination and the worlds we love to get lost in.
“What excites me about this partnership is that we're bringing parts of these iconic gaming worlds to life, giving fans the chance to experience food they have only ever seen on screen.”
He added that, as a self-confessed Fallout fan, he was most excited to try the new Blamco Cheesy Potato Bites.
Sweet treat lovers can pick up a Candy Crush McFlurry or an Overwatch-branded doughnut.
Excitingly, fans can also take part in McDonald’s Side Missions to earn digital badges, unlock exclusive food offers, and earn loot drops.
Prizes up for grabs include a car voucher for Forza Horizon 6, a Fallout 76 Sugar Bomb Bundle, and a Red Hot Portable Bakery for World of Warcraft.
In-game exclusive rewards also include Master Chief Armour in Halo: Campaign Evolved, a Booster Bundle in Candy Crush, and a Kiriko Donut Break Emote in Overwatch.
Ella Scott