A game night isn’t complete without Monopoly. Suitable for all ages, the game has been providing hours of fun since the early 20th century. Want to know more about the classic board game? You’re in the right place! At NetBet, we explore the history of the Monopoly classic board game in more detail. Check it out!
History of Monopoly
Monopoly history dates back to the early 20th century. Back then, it wasn’t known as Monopoly; instead, it went by the name “The Landlord’s Game”. The game was invented in 1902 but it wasn’t patented until 1904. It was originally designed to represent the Georgist concepts of economic privilege and land value taxation, and the economic consequences of Ricardo’s Law of Economic rent.
From 1906 to 1930, a series of board games were developed that involved the buying and selling of land and properties. By 1933, a board game had been developed much like the version of the Monopoly classic board game we know today. It is thought that several people contributed to the game’s design and evolution, mostly residing in the midwestern United States and areas near the East Coast.
Who invented Monopoly?
For many years, players believed that an unemployed man named Charles Darrow invented Monopoly in the 1930s. The tale was printed in the game’s instructions, on information published about the game, and even tucked into the game’s box along with the Chance and Community Chest cards. It explained how Darrow sold the concept to Parker Brothers and became a millionaire, saving him from the brink of bankruptcy.
However, it turns out that this tale isn’t strictly true. Contrary to popular belief, Monopoly wasn’t invented by Charles Darrow 80 years ago, but many years before by an American woman named Elizabeth Magie. Magie filed a legal claim for “The Landlord’s Game” in 1904, over three decades before Parker Brothers started manufacturing the Monopoly classic board game. She designed the game as a protest against the monopolists of the time, including John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie.
Magie created two sets of rules for the game. The first set was anti-monopolist and rewarded all players when wealth was created. The second was a monopolist set, in which the aim was to create monopolies and crush other players. This unique approach was a teaching tool, designed to show that the first set of rules were morally superior. However, it was the second set of rules that caught on and turned into the Monopoly classic board game that we know and love today.
In the 1930s, Darrow claimed the game as his own and sold it to Parker Brothers. He went onto to make millions and made an agreement that entitled him to all royalties. Magie, on the other hand, was only paid a measly $500 for her creation.
Monopoly versions
Today, there are many different Monopoly versions. Typically, they fall into three categories. The first category is themed editions of the game; in these, the places are usually changed to fit with the theme and a few minor rule changes are made. The second category is specific location versions; in these, the rules remain the same, but the street names and places will reflect a certain city. The final category is Hasbro’s Monopoly family games; with these, there may be a significant difference in the rules and set up of the game. For instance, you play the game with cards instead of a board.
How to play Monopoly Game?
The Monopoly classic board game is from two to eight players ages 8 and up. The aim of the game is to avoid going bankrupt and become the wealthiest player through buying, renting and selling property.
To decide which player goes first, everyone will roll the two dice. The person with the highest total gets to play first, followed by the player to the left. On your turn, the two dice are rolled, and you move your token the number of spaces shown on the dice. An action will then be taken based on the space you land on.
Most of the spaces represent a property. If you land on one of these spaces, you have the option to purchase it from the bank. The price of the property is shown on the bottom of the space.
If you land on a chance space, you must draw a chance card. You must then complete the action detailed on the card and return it to the bottom of the pile. If you land on a community chest space, you must draw a community chest card. The action shown on the card is then completed and the card is placed at the bottom of the pile.
If you land on a tax space, you must pay the tax detailed. If you land on the go to jail space, you must move to the jail space and remain there until you are freed. Every time you land on or pass go, you can collect £200 from the banker. If you land on a property space that another player already owns, you must pay the owner the rent listed on the property card. Once you run out of money, you are declared bankrupt and are out of the game. The last player standing is the winner.
Monopoly Megaways Slot
Want to play a Monopoly game online? You can do! Developed by Big Time Gaming, Monopoly Megaways is a 6-reel, 117 ways to win video slot available. Enjoy this game from between 10p and £20 per spin across all devices. Appearance-wise, Monopoly Megaways is impressive. Based on the Monopoly classic board game, the action takes place on a digital Monopoly board. You’ll see various theme-fitting symbols, including stylised A, K, Q, J, 10 and 9 royals as the low payers. The high payers are represented by the original Monopoly pieces, including the dog, card, top hat and battleship.
Like all Megaways slots, Monopoly Megaways offers a huge number of ways to win. Each reel can hold between 2 and 7 symbols. The number of symbols per reel varies with each spin. If you manage to land 7 symbols on all of the reels, you’ll play with the maximum of 117, 649 ways to win! The slot comes with a top payout of 14,700x your total stake. If you’re playing with the maximum wager, this can result in a whopping prize of £294,000!
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