Aussie McDonald’s fans have been hit with a major disappointment after the fast-food giant confirmed its popular Monopoly promotion has been scrapped for 2026.
The decision breaks an 11-year streak of annual Monopoly games in Australia since 2015, leaving local packaging without game tickets, property sets, or instant win prizes.
The campaign traditionally launches in September and gives customers the chance to score millions of dollars in instant food, cars, tech, and travel prizes.
Last year’s iteration featured an advertised prize pool of more than $718m, including 32m instant food wins.
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McDonald’s Australia confirmed its popular Monopoly promotion has been scrapped for 2026. Picture: Supplied
A McDonald’s spokesperson confirmed to News Corp Australia that the fan-favourite promotion won’t be returning this year.
“Aussies love Monopoly at Macca’s, but it’s not coming back this year,” a McDonald’s spokesperson said.
“Delivering great value has always been core to McDonald’s, and we know that our loyal Macca’s customers love to be rewarded.
“We’re always looking for new ways to give our customers great value and reward them when they visit Macca’s.”
The McDonald’s campaign traditionally launches in September and gives customers the chance to score millions of dollars in instant food, cars, tech, and travel prizes.
The local move follows a similar decision in the UK, where McDonald’s ended a 20-year run of the game.
However, international markets including the US are continuing with the promotion, which launches overseas on October 6.
Instead of the nationwide board game, Macca’s rolled out a “September Golden Deals” campaign.
The daily deals included $3 Big Macs, $2.50 McFlurrys, and a Quarter Pounder with a small soft drink for under $6 via the MyMacca’s App.
The app promotion is tied to a competition for a McGold Card, giving customers a shot at winning free Macca’s for life.
Australians had a chance to win free Macca’s for 40 years as the fast-food giant rolled out nine “McGold Cards” nationwide. Picture: McDonald’s
The elusive McGold Card gave winners $30 a week to spend at McDonald’s for 40 years, a prize worth more than $62,000.
A select group of global billionaires and celebrities hold legendary versions of the card.
American billionaire Warren Buffett revealed in 2007 he held a gold card entitling him to unlimited free meals in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, while Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates holds a global version.
Actor Rob Lowe and late rapper Juice WRLD have also held localised versions.
The promotional shake-up comes as McDonald’s continues its national expansion.
Since opening its first Australian restaurant in Yagoona, Sydney, in 1971, the chain has grown to more than 1070 outlets nationwide, employing over 115,000 people.
The company aims to open 50 new outlets by the end of 2026, adding to its stores nationwide.
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