Play Monopoly Day
When is Play Monopoly Day? This holiday is always observed on November 19
Today is Play Monopoly Day, a November 19 holiday. The Monopoly game is the fourth most popular board game ever played. Only the Game of Life, Clue, and Candy Land are more popular. Yet, true Monopoly gamers firmly believe it is number one. Have you played Monopoly before? Chances are, you have. Over 1 billion people in over 100 countries have played Monopoly at least once. Many of us have played it far more than once. Gather a few friends or family members together and pull out the Monopoly Board from your closet. It’s time to have some fun! While you read this article, check out the monopoly trivia. Then, as you play the game later today, you can amaze other gamers with your knowledge of Monopoly.
Play Monopoly Your Way
For the first several decades that the game has been on the market, it was a board game. Now, in addition to the game board format, you can play electronic versions, online, or use an App on your smartphone.
The original Monopoly game has also changed over time. There have been many different editions and variations produced, with changes to the game itself. Some of the game pieces have been retired over the years, and new ones created.
It doesn’t matter what edition or version you play today. What’s important on Play Monopoly Day, is that you have fun by playing the game.
History of the Monopoly Game
In 1903, anti-monopolist Elizabeth (Lizzie) Magie conceived and created the “Landlord Game”. In 1904 it was patented and hit the market. It was originally intended as an educational tool to explain the rental market and the effects of monopoly in the marketplace. It was popular among professors and students.
Modifying and building upon Lizzie Magie’s game, Clarence Darrow created the first Monopoly game. He semi-copyrighted in 1934. (Does anyone know what a “semi-copyright is!?) Parker Brothers put the game on the market on November 5, 1935.
In 1991, Hasbro Company bought out Parker Brothers.
Monopoly Trivia
Here are some interesting Monopoly trivia and fun facts about the game:
Life is not fair… Clarence Darrow, who is credited with creating the Monopoly game, became the first game designer to become a millionaire. Lizzie Magie, who created the original “Landlord Game” that Monopoly was modeled from, only made $500.
In 2017, Hasbro held a vote for the public to choose their favorite game pieces. There were 64 choices. As a result, Hasbro retired the thimble, boot, and wheelbarrow. T-Rex, rubber ducky, and penguin replaced them. The dog received the most votes.
Parker Brothers released the Monopoly game on November 5, 1935
The Short Line is the only railroad that was not a real railroad company.
The longest recorded Monopoly game lasted 70 straight days.
$20,580 is in the Monopoly box.
The man “In Jail” is “Jake the Jailbird”
The police officer is “Officer O’Malley”.
How to Celebrate Play Monopoly Day
- Gather family or friends together and play Monopoly.
- If you don’t have this board game, what are you waiting for? Go buy it now.
- Download the app so you can play it anywhere.
Today's Quote
“Potentially, a government is the most dangerous threat to man’s rights: it holds a legal monopoly on the use of physical force against legally disarmed victims.” – – Ayn Rand
Today’s Free Tip: “Don’t ask your wife what time dinner will be, when she’s out mowing the lawn.” – – Author Unknown
History and Origin of Play Monopoly Day
Much is written about the Monopoly game and the history of Monopoly. However, our extensive research efforts did not reveal the creator of Play Monopoly Day itself. Nor, is there any definitive information on when it was created. We did trace its origin back to at least 2016.
Our research found that this day began as “Play Monopoly Day” A couple of years later, many internet sites began referring to it as “National Play Monopoly Day”. Also, we did not find a congressional or presidential proclamation making this day a true national day. As a result, we are appropriately referring to this day as “Play Monopoly Day”.
Definition of “National” Days – Learn why it is important to identify and distinguish true National days.
There also are a few references to “World Monopoly Day” being March 19. This appears to be a one-time event originated by Hasbro Company in 2016 to promote a new variation of the game.
This Day in History
Besides today’s holiday, here are some things that happened on this day:
On his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus discovers Puerto Rico. (1493)
Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts hits supermarket shelves. (1965)
Meg Ryan, actress, “Sleepless in Seattle”, was born on this day in 1961.
More November 19 Holidays
Besides Play Monopoly Day, here is another November 19 holiday we’re sure you will enjoy.
More About Today
Famous November Birthdays – Find ut who shares your birth date.
Flower of the Day: Sunflowers
Recipe of the Day: Pumpkin Cupcakes
Also See: Pumpkin Recipes Galore and Holiday Recipes
Ecards – Send a free Ecard for Play Monopoly Day or just about any November calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in November is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Therefore, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? In addition to Play Monopoly Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. November holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.