Dirty Money: The Money Laundering Game (2021) Board Game

Dirty Money: The Money Laundering Game is a board game released in 2021 by Capital Gains Studio. Designed by Daryl Chow and illustrated by Alan Bay, the game falls under the economic and mafia categories, focusing on the concept of money laundering. With a runtime of 30–45 minutes, the game is suitable for 2–5 players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Dirty Money: The Money Laundering Game

120 Money cards in 4 currencies: USD, EURO, YEN, and CRYPTO (with CRYPTO acting as a wild card)

Clean and dirty money cards

Location cards varying by player count

Investment cards for artworks, businesses, and real estate

Action cards

First player marker

Blacklist penalty tokens

Linen-finished cards for improved quality.

How To Setup Dirty Money: The Money Laundering Game

Players start with a hand of clean and dirty money. The game board is set up with various location cards, each offering different investment opportunities. Players choose their starting locations and begin their money laundering operations.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2-5 players

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Age Range: 12+

Objective: Launder dirty money into clean money by investing in artworks, businesses, and real estate while avoiding being blacklisted by the authorities.

Mechanics: Set collection, economic management, and social interaction through sabotaging opponents.

Win Condition: The player with the most points from investments and the least demerits from blacklisting wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Dirty Money** immerses you in a world of white-collar crime, where you navigate the complexities of money laundering. The game’s theme is strong, but it can lose its impact during gameplay. Players must strategically manage their money, invest wisely, and sabotage their opponents to gain an advantage. However, the game suffers from potential issues like the runaway leader problem and less impactful consequences for exposed dirty money.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s theme of white-collar crime is unique and intriguing.

High-Quality Components: Linen-finished cards and well-designed graphics enhance the game’s aesthetic.

Social Interaction: Sabotaging opponents adds a fun and competitive element.

Variety in Investments: Multiple investment options in different locations keep the game interesting.

Cons

Runaway Leader Problem: Early leaders can maintain their advantage, making it hard for others to catch up.

Limited Replayability: The game may lose its appeal after several plays due to repetitive mechanics.

Less Impactful Consequences: The effects of exposed dirty money could be more significant to enhance gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Dirty Money: The Money Laundering Game

**Dirty Money** is ideal for players who enjoy economic and set collection games with a unique theme. It’s a good fit for those who frequently switch between games, as its replayability might be limited. However, with some tweaks to address the runaway leader problem and increase the consequences of exposed dirty money, this game could offer a more engaging and balanced experience. For now, it’s a fun filler game that adds a twist to the usual economic gameplay.

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