The biggest promotion of the year (Although Tim Hortons may not agree.)

In-store poster for McDonald's Monopoly promotion

In-store poster for McDonald's Monopoly promotion (Detail)

It's back. McDonald's annual Monopoly promotion is back. From October 11 to November 14 McDonald's customers will be snapping up game pieces in the hope of winning one of more than a million prizes.

Like most sales promotions the intent is to drive more business into the store. With a one in five chance of winning, I always see longer than usual lines at McDonald's locations.

In recent years when Tim Hortons has run its "Roll Up The Rim To Win" promotion McDonald's has countered by offering free coffee. I wonder if there are any similar disruptive actions planned by Tim Hortons?