Which McDonald's promotion began in the United States in 1987 and used game pieces for prizes?

McDonald’s Monopoly began in the United States in 1987 and used game pieces for prizes.

The promotion adapted the familiar Monopoly board-game theme into a restaurant marketing campaign. Customers received game pieces with selected food purchases and could collect matching property groups or reveal instant prizes. The format encouraged repeat visits while giving ordinary packaging a game-like role.

McDonald’s Monopoly was created through a partnership involving McDonald’s and the advertising agency Needham Harper Steers. The promotion spread internationally, though rules, prizes, and participating products have varied by country.

The promotion is sometimes confused with ordinary sweepstakes because it combines instant-win pieces with a collection mechanic. Its branding significance lies in turning a famous outside intellectual property into a recurring McDonald’s promotional identity.