Monopoly fans vote to add cat, toss iron tokens

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) -- Scottie dog has a new nemesis after Monopoly fans voted to add a cat to the game and eliminate the iron token.

Toy maker Hasbro Inc. announced the changes Wednesday, hours after voting on Facebook closed, marking the first time that fans had a say on which token to eliminate and which piece to replace it.

Monopoly's iconic tokens originated when the niece of game creator Charles Darrow suggested using charms from her charm bracelet for tokens.

The eight tokens identify the players and have changed quite a lot since Parker Brothers bought the game from its original designer in 1935.

The real-estate trading game is based on the streets of Atlantic City, N.J., and has sold more than 275 million games worldwide.

The online contest to change the tokens was sparked by chatter on Facebook, where Monopoly has more than 10 million fans.

The iron, wheelbarrow and shoe were neck and neck for elimination in the final hours of voting. Rhode Island-based Hasbro says fans from more than 120 countries voted in the Save Your Token Campaign.

Versions of Monopoly with the new token will come out later this year.