Monopoly Online

Online Monopoly Features

Computer-based versions of Monopoly maintain the rules of the traditional game but add fun and convenience with animated playing pieces, automated money tallies, and on-screen property displays. You can play with others in far-flung locations and start a game in an instant without the hassle of setting up the board, organizing pieces, and doling out money. Players no longer need to worry about forgetting to collect $200 when they pass Go, losing track of a "Get Out of Jail Free" card, or catching their little brother stealing money from the bank. However, the electronic experience also loses something. There's no room for house rules in an automated game and players miss out on the sense of camaraderie found in gathering around the board to play.

Where to Find Monopoly Online

Atari.com and Hasbro

Monopoly was once available for online play at Atari.com. However, Atari's parent company Infogrames sold the online rights back to Hasbro, the makers of the original board game, in July 2007. The company may bring Monopoly back online in the future, along with other popular games like Yahtzee and Boggle. For the time being, though, sites offering Monopoly games are limited.

Monopoly.com.au

The Australian Monopoly site is one of the best places to play Monopoly online. While the properties in this localized version of the game will be unfamiliar to U.S. players, the rules are the same. However, the game doesn't provide head-to-head competition against other players. "Mr. Monopoly" owns some of the properties on the board, and he collects rent as you try to build your Australian real estate empire. This online game is based on the Here and Now version of Monopoly, with real-world prices and updated utilities like cell phone service. Playing requires a free registration, and players from all over the world are welcome to join.

Hosted Games

You can also play Monopoly online with friends and family if you all own copies of a Monopoly computer game with multi-player capabilities. You will need to host the game on a server. Sites like GameSpy.com are designed to facilitate this process. Users log in to the site and select the Monopoly lobby. GameSpy takes care of everything behind-the-scenes to make sure you can connect. You can play with a group of your own making or find new opponents online.

If you have a little computer know-how, you can also create your own server. Choose one computer to act as the host and ask the other players to log in to it, using the computer's IP address. As with many online game experiences, a high-speed connection will make the process go more smoothly.

AOL Games

AOL Games offers two versions of Monopoly. Players can enjoy the classic game or Monopoly: Here and Now. Download a free trial version of each game, or pay $19.95 to purchase them. Unfortunately, the site only offers game downloads and players can't compete with each other through the AOL service.

Monopoly Live

Monopoly Live was a unique real-life version of the game created to promote the release of the Monopoly: Here and Now board game in the U.K. 18 cabs were given GPS devices to become "game pieces" on the playing board of London. Check the website for future competitions.

Unofficial Versions

There are several games available online copying the design and game play of Monopoly. However, these imitations are not officially licensed versions of the game. In addition to the dubious legality of these creations, they tend to feature amateurish design and clunky playing mechanics. Monopoly fans are better off with the real thing.