Monopoly
Authority: Hasbro Monopoly Official Rules
Official Monopoly begins with $1,500 per player. The bank contains 32 Houses and 12 Hotels. When a property is unowned upon landing, players must buy it or the banker auctions it immediately to the highest bidder.
| Parameter / Specification | Standard Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Cash per Player | 1500 | dollars |
| Bank House Limit | 32 | houses |
| Bank Hotel Limit | 12 | hotels |
History & Origin
Monopoly's roots trace to The Landlord's Game, patented in 1904 by Elizabeth "Lizzie" Magie, a stenographer who designed it to illustrate the economist Henry George's arguments against concentrated land ownership. Magie's original game actually included two rule sets -- one rewarding monopolistic play and one rewarding shared prosperity -- meant to let players experience both outcomes and compare them.
The game spread informally for decades, picking up house rules and regional variations, including modifications made by Quaker players in Atlantic City. Charles Darrow learned one of these homemade versions from friends, refined it, and sold it to Parker Brothers, receiving his own patent on December 31, 1935. Parker Brothers later acquired Magie's original patent as well. Since 1935, Monopoly has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling proprietary board game in history.
Related Pages
Referenced By
Housing Shortage
If the Bank runs out of its 32 houses, players cannot build houses even if they have the money. If multiple players want to buy the last remaining houses, the Banker must auction them one by one to the highest bidder.
Rule DisputeFree Parking Jackpot
Official Hasbro rules state Free Parking is a completely rest square that pays out $0. Tax money, Chance, and Community Chest fines go to the Bank, not the center of the board.