SHOW / EPISODE

Episode 33 Can I Get The McScam? The McDonalds Monopoly Scandal

29m | Apr 1, 2026

Grotesque Tea, is a dark podcast that covers true crime, as well as the creepy, macabre, and supernatural. As such, may not be suitable for all audiences. Listeners discretion, is advised.

Riddle me this. What do Big Macs, Monopoly, and the Italian Mob have in common? They were all part of one of the largest sweepstakes scandals in US history. From the 90s to right before 9/11, no one won the $1Million grand prize without knowing the right person and paying them a cut of the winnings. We look into the players, the means, and the eventual downfall of the McDonalds Monopoly Scam.

Sauces Used in this episode:

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/07/how-mcmillions-scam-rigged-the-mcdonalds-monopoly-game.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMillions

https://www.npr.org/2020/02/01/801832865/mcmillions-how-the-ex-cop-who-scammed-mcdonalds-monopoly-got-caught

https://fortune.com/2025/09/29/mcdonalds-bringing-back-monopoly-mcmillions-prizes-cash-vacations/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald%27s_Monopoly

https://priceonomics.com/the-mcdonalds-monopoly-fraud/

https://medium.com/@massucci.robbie/the-mcdonalds-monopoly-scam-when-uncle-jerry-stole-millions-from-a-beloved-promotion-ede9e03f3e12

https://www.oxygen.com/true-crime-buzz/where-is-gloria-brown-mcdonalds-monopoly-winner-now

https://allthatsinteresting.com/mcdonalds-monopoly-scam

Music: Mysterious Fear by MusicLFiles

Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7108-mysterious-fear