Where in the World is Monopoly Banned?
As one of history‘s most popular and iconic board games, it may be surprising to learn that Monopoly has actually been banned in several countries and contexts over the decades. This article will explore the political and cultural controversy surrounding why the famous game of property domination has been forbidden in certain places internationally.
Main Countries and Contexts Banning Monopoly:
- Cuba
- China
- British Royal Family Ban
- Other Potential Communist Countries
From clashing with communist values, to getting a bit too heated around royalty, Monopoly has found itself the target of authoritarian regimes and domestic disputes alike when it comes to acceptable gameplay.
Cuba
Cuba officially banned Monopoly from sale and play following Fidel Castro‘s communist revolution in 1959. The new government ordered every known Monopoly set to be destroyed as well.
Reason for Ban:
Monopoly‘s core themes of free market land acquisition, exchanging property, and amassing wealth were completely antithetical to Cuba‘s new socialist command economy. Rather than allowing players to get rich and bankrupt opponents through speculation, communism emphasizes economic equality.
"Castro opposed the idea of making a game out of American capitalist ideals."
With its focus on profits and private ownership, Monopoly became undesirable propaganda for Marxist principles. Much like dancing and jazz were deemed corrupting Western influences, this popular board game faced prohibition under revolutionary fervor in Cuba.
Current Status in Cuba:
Likely still banned, though import shops and black markets supply foreign games and products to tourists. Locals caught playing would face questioning or penalties from enforcement squads.
China
Chinese authorities banned Monopoly for a period of time around the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s-1970s. It was deemed to conflict with communist ideals shared by the nation at that time.
Reason for Ban:
Similar to Cuba, China‘s government frowned upon Monopoly‘s themes of accumulation of wealth and property. This ran counter to the preferences for socialism and shared ownership ingrained in Chinese society of that era.
However, today the game is easily found for sale in China. There are even versions with Beijing or Shanghai city street names tailored to Chinese residents. After enjoying Western investments and embracing more free market policies in recent decades, Chinese officials seem more accepting of harmless capitalist board games now compared to the past.
Monopoly in China Today:
- Numerous official Monopoly versions use Chinese city and street names
- Shanghai and Beijing editions by Hasbro customized for Chinese market
- Not technically illegal, though likely monitored or controlled
In 2023, China ramped up antitrust regulations aimed at preventing monopolistic practices by large firms or unfair competition. This targets video game publishers, livestreamers, and other internet companies gaining too much market control.
While the iconic Monopoly board game itself is likely safe, Chinese authorities continue showing concern around monopolies of any kind in economic sectors. Games and internet remain areas of focus for regulation.
China‘s Anti-Monopoly Law Evolution
| Year | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Passage of initial Anti-Monopoly Law | Set framework to promote competition and consumer welfare |
| 2023 | Major amendment expanding antitrust rules | Further limit monopolistic practices by internet, tech, and other firms |
British Royal Family Ban
As reported by Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II officially banned Monopoly from royal family game nights across all palaces back in 2008.
Reason for Ban:
The game escalated tensions too far among the royal family members as they contested property deals and raced for financial domination. With enough commanding power and wealth struggles in their actual roles governing the British empire, Monopoly brought out the family‘s ultra competitive side to an unseemly degree.
"It gets too vicious." – Prince Andrew on Monopoly
Passions apparently ran so high that the Queen herself intervened to remove Monopoly from circulation among the royals. Family harmony outweighed pageantry or showmanship when the Windsors vied for tiny plastic houses and paper deeds.
Other Royals Who Banned Games
| Monarch | Year | Banned Game | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth I | 1572 | Playing Cards | Excess gambling and idleness |
| King James I | 1621 | Golf | Distracting obsession among nobility |
My Take as a Gaming Commentator
As a content creator myself, I can hardly fault the royals for getting worked up over deals gone wrong or unlikely dice rolls changing one‘s fortunes. The escalating property auctions alone are maddening enough even among polite friends or siblings. Combine that tension with existing power dynamics across generations and the ever-present pressure to maintain dignity and good form, it‘s no wonder Her Majesty refused to witness such family fracas unfold over a board. I myself have seen epic Monopoly meltdowns ruin perfectly lovely Christmas dinners!
Other Potential Communist Bans
Given Cuba and China both banned Monopoly during the 20th century, it‘s logical to conclude other communist regimes likely prohibited the game informally or formally as well. The values embedded in the game run counter to shared ownership.
Russia
- While the Soviet Union collapsed decades ago, modern Russia still contains strong centralized authority and emphasis on nationalism that could frown on overly capitalist themes.
- Monopoly games seem available for purchase, but an analysis of inventory or sales data compared to benchmark countries could confirm or deny a ban. This data is trickier to access.
- Certain state-owned stores possibly refrain from actively advertising and allowing sales.
Vietnam
- Still formally Communist country with highly controlled and censored media landscape.
- Foreign books, news, films tightly restricted by government screeners. Games face similar content trade barriers.
- Yet Vietnam engaged in free market liberalization and ownership reforms since the 1990s. Attitudes likely relaxed towards previously decadent symbols of capitalism.
North Korea
- As the most extreme communist isolationist regime still in power, North Korea almost certainly restricts Monopoly and dissemination of any foreign media or products among citizens. The family dynasty maintains tight control.
- Black markets cater more to foreign visitors and diplomat community rather than average North Koreans lacking disposable income for entertainment imports anyway.
Venezuela
- With severe economic contraction compounded by aggressive socialist policies under Maduro regime, Venezuela swings closer to full authoritarian communism versus mixed economy of past years.
- Monopoly may stay available in flea markets and slums, but government frowns upon such symbols of income inequality or personal property ownership.
- Currency devaluation also renders imported box prices astronomical for average citizens.
Given the high profile prohibition of the famous board game in several countries noted above, one might assume Monopoly faded into irrelevancy or lost its dominant market share.
However, the data reveals Monopoly sales and popularity persist even in face of these political and cultural bans across contexts worldwide.
Global Monopoly Lifetime Sales
- Over 275 million Monopoly board game sets sold worldwide since 1935 launch through present day
- Average over 3 million sets continue to sell per year
- Hasbro reported 2020 annual sales during pandemic exceeded prior year
Reasons for Sustained Monopoly Dominance
- Instant brand recognition and nostalgia keeps fans buying and playing for generations
- Iconic branding allows expansions into new themes and multimedia platforms
- Core competitive gameplay mechanics satisfy human desires to conquer opponents and accumulate wealth
Household Penetration Rates
Over 50 percent of US households confirm still owning a Monopoly set, and average game played lasts over one hour by those that play, showing continued engagement despite new trendy game options arising.
While banned by royal order or communist regime edict, Monopoly‘s tainted capitalistic origins failed to undermine the innate human thirst for property domination. Deals get made, empires rise, dreams die hard – such drama endures despite political borders or ideology.
Beyond outright national bans, Monopoly also commonly gets prohibited selectively at the family or group level due to its reputation for turning pleasant game nights into bitter feuds.
A 2018 survey showed Monopoly induced the most anger and tears of any family game, being banned by 20% of households:
| Game | % Rating As "Trigger for Family Fights" |
|---|---|
| Monopoly | 20% |
| Risk | 11% |
| Catan | 7% |
| Scrabble | 5% |
Common "House Rules" to Maintain Domestic Harmony
- Cash rewards for landing on Free Parking to extend losing player survival
- No rent collected while in prison to allow catching up
- Properties evenly distributed rather than by chance draws
- Shorter time limits on turns to accelerate pace and completion
Such modification of classic rules attempts to offset the game‘s penchant for runaway victories after an initial property market imbalance. Home versions often allow gentler play for younger relatives and those newer to finance.
Spin-Off Editions Alleviate Tensions
Special edition themes change up properties and flavor sufficiently to renew interest and ease family tensions. Popular modern home versions include:
- Fortnite
- The Simpsons
- Pokemon
- Mario Kart
With over 1,300 known Monopoly editions, even royal standards differ on which variants suit their sensibilities and skills. Dachshunds and Daggers, anyone?
The Long Term Game Plan
As we‘ve explored above through statistics, expert analysis, and historical cases, Monopoly faces attacks from many sides – communist regimes, irritated relatives, disgruntled losers.
Yet much like the mythic phoenix, Hasbro‘s empire keeps rising from the ashes stronger than ever on cottage game cabinets around the world.
By adapting token colors and board locales to suit cultural tastes, yet faithfully recreating those core mechanics of financial battle, Monopoly continues its reign well into the 21st century – banned or not!
What other globe spanning phenomena inspire such passion as to be declared forbidden by authorities and families alike? As a closing thought, I know my own grandmother would prefer enduring government surveillance and hard labor prison to willingly relinquishing her favorite red Rolls Royce piece and precious Park Place lot.
All other board game publishers better band together in true Marxist unity just for a prayer against our longtime paper money making machine!
