The holidays are upon us, and with festive spirits (and perhaps a little too much eggnog), family game nights can quickly spiral into chaos—especially when the notorious Monopoly hits the table. To help keep the peace during these competitive moments, the creators of the iconic board game are introducing a holiday hotline dedicated to resolving disputes over its notoriously convoluted rules.
Because really, nobody wants a meltdown over who gets to claim Park Place.
According to a survey reported by The Daily Buzz, 51% of adults admitted that Monopoly games often lead to arguments. Personally, I’d argue that for some families, that number is closer to a whopping 100%. The main culprit? The ever-changing house rules that seem to evolve with every round. Gloating winners only add fuel to the fire, igniting frustration among those less fortunate in their real estate endeavors.
Starting Christmas Eve and running through December 26, Hasbro’s hotline will be available to assist players in resolving their Monopoly disputes. They anticipate a surge of calls around 6 p.m. on Christmas Day—a peak time for families to engage in a little friendly competition. When you dial in, you’ll be connected with an “unbiased, trained expert” ready to clarify any game-related misunderstandings.
Jake Morgan, Marketing Director for Hasbro UK & Ireland, noted, “Monopoly is cherished by families, offering a chance for quality time. However, our findings indicate that these games often descend into chaos, with players willing to do anything to win.” He commissioned the research behind the survey and stated, “Our experts will be equipped with the official rulebook to swiftly resolve disputes, and callers can even opt to donate to a charity with their call.”
Kudos to Hasbro for stepping in to mitigate the potential for family drama, as Monopoly can indeed get heated. My own family hasn’t touched that game in years, primarily due to the frequent eruptions of tears, yelling, and the occasional flying game piece. While this hotline might help ease arguments, the emotional scars from losing and the smugness of those who win will likely linger. At least it levels the playing field a bit.
For those daring enough to engage in this chaotic classic, check out this post on one of our other blogs for more insights. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Summary
Monopoly has introduced a holiday hotline to help families avoid arguments over its complex rules during festive gatherings. With a significant percentage of players admitting to disputes, Hasbro aims to provide expert assistance to ensure a more enjoyable game experience.