Monopoly, the ever popular game sold in 80 countries and distributed in 26 languages, is moving with the times. Parker Brothers is phasing out the traditional cash payment method that has been used since 1935 and moving on to electronic banking. Yes, that means a Visa debit card.
This whole concept came about because of a deal made between Parker Brothers and Visa. Visa designed the electronic machine that will be used during the game along with the mock debit card. The electronic machine will keep track of your funds as your earn and spend. And of course, the Visa logo is proudly displayed on the machine. Surprised?
I don’t know about you, but half the fun is the paper money! Sure, a survey tells us that 70% of adults use less cash. But, why change something that’s worked for so long? I swipe my real card all too much, no need to do it in a game! Keep the cash.
You can go print your own Monopoly cash here: [hasbro.com]
I actually liked having cash while playing Monopoly. Swiping a card all the time could get boring. They should have left the card and cash so people can have options. Having a card also poses the problem of what if the little card swiper breaks. Then the Monopoly game is over until a replacement is found? And how do people get their $200 for passing go?
dpotts: I never realized that you could print your own Monopoly money! That is pretty cool because every time we play we end up running out of money. I guess I won’t have to pull out my real $500 bills from my wallet anymore
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Max: I agree that they should give you both the card swiper and the cash but I do think it would be fun to have the cards (at least initially). That way you don’t have to worry about your kids tearing up the money when they are young.
-Ryan