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Are you looking for a new game to make real money? If so, you’re in the right place.
If you have quick hands, a sharp mind, and are familiar with the rules and strategies of some of the popular games online – you can turn that expertise into real money in competitive tournaments and head to head matches.
If you’re looking for a way to entertain yourself and earn a few dollars at the same time, there are a few ways you can do that right now.
Mobile games are a fun activity in your free time. Unlike the very first phone games such as Angry Birds and Flappy Bird that were for entertainment only, today it’s easy to find games that pay real money today.
Many rely on competition, so being quick and strategy can really pay off.
From arcade games to trivia, you can have fun and make a little money in your spare time.
- 1. Swagbucks – 🏆
- 2. Blackout Bingo
- 3. Bubble Cash
- 4. Freecash
- 5. Solitaire Cash
- 6. Solitaire Cube
- 7. Bingo Cash
- 8. Rewarded Play
- 9. Pool Payday
- 10. Mistplay
- 11. Cash Giraffe
- 12. Cash’em All
- 13. InboxDollars
- 14. MyPoints
- 15. Dominoes Gold
- 16. Big Buck Hunter: Marksman
- 17. Money Well
- 18. Scrambly
- Money-Paying Games FAQs
- Summary
Many games are free to download while some may require in-app purchases. These games are all legit being run by large corporations with millions in revenue and funding.
We list them all below this table but these are our favorites (and why):
| Name | Works With | Game Type |
Why We Like Them | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Swagbucks | Android & iOS | Several | Oldest reward play system with a ton of options | Learn more |
| Blackout Bingo | Android & iOS | Bingo | Free, two minutes per round, very easy to play | Learn more |
| Freecash | Android & iOS | Multiple | A variety of games, apps & surveys | Learn more |
| Bingo Cash | Android & iOS | Bingo | Wide variety of bingo games | Learn more |
| Bubble Cash | Android & iOS | Bubble | Skill-based Bubble popper game | Learn more |
| Solitaire Cash | Android & iOS | Solitaire | Many varieties of solitaire | Learn more |
| Pool Payday | Android & iOS | Pool | Play pool on your phone to win prizes | Learn more |
| Solitaire Cube | Android & iOS | Solitaire | Short solitaire games (solo and tourney) | Learn more |
| Cash’em All | Android | Several | 100% free, earn based on time played | Learn more |
| Scrambly | Android | Several | Lots of reward redemption options | Learn more |
1. Swagbucks – 🏆
Works With: Android and iOS devices
Prize Options: PayPal and gift card rewards
Swagbucks can be one of the best platforms to discover new moneymaking games and other rewarding activities. You can earn between $1 and $45 per game by reaching certain levels. Each game offer lists the accomplishments you must achieve and the completion deadline. Most games require you to complete the milestones within 14 days.
You will find games for many niches, including Adventure, Bingo, Casino, Card games, Dice, and Puzzles.
The offers update regularly as new games launch. As you complete a mission, there is most likely another option available to make money.
There are several other activities to earn rewards points – online surveys, shopping online, scanning paper receipts, signing up for product offers, and watching videos.
Another reason to consider Swagbucks is for the low payout thresholds. Amazon gift card redemptions start at $1. You will need $5 to request PayPal cash or gift cards to other brands.
Why We Like Swagbucks
- Many game genres
- Multiple ways to make money besides playing games
- Some games don’t require in-app purchases
- Amazon gift card payments as small as $1
- PayPal Cash rewards start at $5
You only need to be 13 years old to join Swagbucks.
Read our Swagbucks review to learn more
2. Blackout Bingo
Works With: Android and iOS
Prize Options: Cash and merchandise
Blackout Bingo is available for Android and iOS mobile devices and users can win cash prizes. It’s one of our favorite games that pay real money because each round takes just two minutes and is free. Players compete against other users who see the same balls and game cards. You will need to be the first player to get “BINGO” to win prizes.
There are several ways to earn points for this game:
- Daub the correct box when a number is called
- Bingo and Double Bingos
- Speed completion bonuses
It’s also possible to earn boosts that can help you claim squares without waiting for the caller to call the corresponding number.
You can redeem your points for PayPal cash prizes and merchandise like t-shirts and phone cases.
Please Note! Cash tournaments are available in most of the world. Cash tournaments are not enabled in the following states: AR, CT, DE, IN, LA, ME, SD. If you don’t live in a prize-enabled region, you can still play for free.
Why We Like Blackout Bingo
- Free to play
- Massive community on Facebook (41k members!)
- Play against people with similar skill levels
- 4.5 stars on 86.6K reviews on Apple Store, 4.5 stars on 9.4K reviews on Google Play Store
3. Bubble Cash
Works With: Android and iOS
Prize Options: Cash
Bubble Cash is a skill-based pop shooter game where you get to test your skill in classic Bubble Shooter games. It’s both fun and competitive where you get a chance to solve a puzzle (who can pop all their bubbles first) against other people and compete for prizes.
Unlike some other games, where there’s an aspect of luck involved, with Bubble Cash there is no luck – every player gets the same layout so it’s really about how fast and how accurate you can pop. The top three ranking wins in these real-money tournaments.
It’s free to play, there are no ads and you can cash out with PayPal. Cash prizes are not available in Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, South Carolina, South Dakota.
Why We Like Bubble Cash
- Very little luck involved
- Free to play
- Cash out through PayPal
- 4.6 stars on 81.1K reviews on Apple Store, 3.5 stars on 112 reviews on Galaxy Store
4. Freecash
Works With: Android and iOS
Prize Options: Cash, crypto, gift cards
Freecash is a rewards program that gives you a chance to earn coins, convertible to cash, crypto, and gift cards; when you play games, answer surveys, and complete offers. It got its start as Freeskins.com, which allowed gamers the chance to earn free skins when they completed offers, played games and answered surveys.
They’ve since expanded to appeal to everyone.
Why We Like Freecash
It has games but it also has other ways you can earn rewards. It’s completely free and you get free coins when you join, so you are that much closer to rewards.
Here’s our full review of Freecash if you want to learn more.
5. Solitaire Cash
Solitaire Cash is the solitaire game offered by Papaya Gaming, one of the largest gaming companies in the world. It’s a completely free game that you can download right now and play against other people around the world.
Solitaire Cash offers a lot of variety from classic Klondike Solitaire. If you’re a Solitaire aficionado, you’ll find a version you are familiar with. If you like to bounce around, you may discover a new version you love even more.
The design is smooth and sleek so you won’t be frustrated when you play – it’s fast paced and engaging.
Free to download and play gem tournaments. If you enter cash tournaments, you can even earn real money. Cash tournaments are not available in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, South Carolina, and Washington.
With 351K ratings, it has a 4.6 out of 5 on the Apple App Store.
6. Solitaire Cube
Works With: Android and iOS
Prize Options: Cash and merch
Solitaire Cube is a fast-paced Solitaire game where each hand only takes a few minutes. You can compete against individuals or in multiplayer tournaments.
Tournament entries start at $1 but higher payouts require a larger buy-in. You can win cash prizes or also redeem your winning for merchandise.
Practice rounds are free and can be a great way to learn the rules and also play for fun when you don’t want to spend money.
Please Note! Cash tournaments are available in most of the world. Cash tournaments are not enabled in the following states: AR, CT, DE, IN, LA, ME, SD. If you don’t live in a prize-enabled region, you can still play for free.
Why We Like Solitaire Cube
- Quick tournaments
- Cash or merchandise rewards
- Practice rounds are free
- 4.6 stars on 88K reviews on Apple Store, 4.5 stars on 7K reviews on Google Play Store
7. Bingo Cash
Works With: Android and iOS
Prize Options: Cash (PayPal & Apple Pay)
If you enjoy Bingo and think you can beat the masses, you’ll enjoy Bingo Cash from Papaya Gaming. It’s free to download and play with a load of variety. If there’s a version of bingo you like, this app will have it.
The best part is that you’re matched with people of similar skill with the top three finishers being considered wins. You don’t have to top of the heap, being in the top three is good enough.
You can earn real money when you enter cash tournaments as long as you are not a resident of Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, South Carolina, or Washington.
Why We Like Bingo Cash
- Free to play with cash prizes
- Top 3 are winners
- With 82.6K ratings, it has a 4.7 out of 5 on the Apple App Store.
8. Rewarded Play
Works With: Android only
Prize Options: Gift card rewards
Rewarded Play is an Android app where you play games (like Solitaire, Wheel of Fortune, Yahtzee, Mahjong, etc.) and earn reward points that can be converted into gift cards at places like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, etc. If you enjoy playing games, they can introduce you to the most popular ones available and the more you play them, the more points you earn.
This isn’t like other games where you have to deposit cash and compete against other people to earn money in tournaments. It’s completely free and many people earn their first gift card within 48 hours.
Rewarded Play has been downloaded over 10 million times and has 4.3 stars on 171K reviews on the Google Play store.
Why We Like Rewarded Play
- Many different types of games
- You don’t have to pay to play – games are free
- You earn points based on how long you play
- You can convert points to gift cards
9. Pool Payday
Works With: Android and iOS
Prize Options: Cash
If you enjoy angles and digital pool, consider Pool Payday. It can be a fun app to play against friends for free or participate in cash tournaments. You will need to pay a small entry fee to enter tournaments.
If you win a tournament, your payment options include PayPal, Apple Pay, and other digital wallet options.
You can earn bonus points by completing trick shots, bank shots, speed, and ball placement.
Please Note! Cash tournaments are available in most of the world. Cash tournaments are not enabled in the following states: AR, CT, DE, IN, LA, ME, SD. If you don’t live in a prize-enabled region, you can still play for free.
Why We Like Pool Payday
- Cash prizes
- Several ways to earn bonus points
- Unlimited free practice rounds
- 4.6 stars on 80K reviews on Apple Store, 4.5 stars on 1.6K reviews on Google Play Store
10. Mistplay
Works With: Android devices only
Prize Options: Retail gift cards and Visa prepaid cards
Mistplay is exclusively for Android users and only offers game apps to redeem for reward units and gift cards. There are many game options to choose from and you can make in-app purchases to reach advanced levels sooner.
The platform lets you redeem units for awards as small as 50 cents for Amazon gift cards. Other redemptions start at $5 for prepaid virtual Visa gift cards. Some gift cards may require a minimum $10 balance. The bigger reward levels tend to have a higher per unit value. You can also redeem for PayPal gift cards.
You will earn units as you install and complete the in-game milestone. In addition to earning units when reaching higher levels inside games, you will earn units with the Mistplay loyalty program. Having a higher loyalty status lets can help you earn bonus units.
Why We Like Mistplay
- Multiple game options
- Can earn loyalty bonuses
- Gift card rewards start at $0.50
Disclosure: The merchants do not endorse and are not affiliated with the Mistplay loyalty program. Brands and trademarks displayed belong to their respective holders.
11. Cash Giraffe
Works With: Android
Prize Options: Cash, PayPal, and gift cards
Cash Giraffe is a fun way to earn money or gift cards while you play a variety of games. There are all types of games – arcade, adventure, casual, and strategic games. There are no in-app purchases, no deposits, and no advertisements.
You’re given points simply for playing the games and everything is tracked by time. You don’t have to gamble or compete against other people, it’s just for playing.
Why We Like MyPoints
- No purchase necessary
- You are given points based on time played
- Many cash out options
12. Cash’em All
Works With: Android
Prize Options: Paypal, gift cards
Cash’em All is an app that pays you to play their free games – there are no ads, no deposits, no in-app purchases – you earn rewards based on how long you play games on their list. You don’t have to win tournaments, you don’t have to put in any of your money, and the reviews are positive. How much you earn will depend on the game, how often you play, and how long you’ve had to play it.
Why We Like Cash’em All
- You earn rewards based on time played, not a competitive
- No ads, no in-app purchases, no deposits – 100% free
- 4.3 stars on 1.26 million reviews on Google Play
13. InboxDollars
Works With: Android, iOS, and computers
Prize Options: Cash, PayPal, and gift cards
InboxDollars offers multiple ways to earn cash rewards, including games.
There are a few free games you can play like Mahjong Solitaire and Outspell. However, the best opportunities are GSN games that require purchases. You get 18% cashback on your GSN credit purchases.
Here are some of the better ways to make money with this platform:
- Surveys
- Online shopping
- Redeeming coupons
- Reading sponsored emails
- Videos
Completing specific tasks lets you earn instant win scratch games to win cash prizes. The Scratch & Win cards have a maximum prize of $100 if you’re an active member.
The redemption minimum is $25 and the payment options are direct deposit, paper check, PayPal, and gift cards.
New members get a $5 signup bonus by joining InboxDollars.
Why We Like InboxDollars
- Earn rewards for GSN games
- Different tasks can earn money
- Cash and gift card rewards
14. MyPoints
Works With: Android, iOS, Windows PC, and Apple/Mac
Prize Options: Cash and gift cards
MyPoints only offers games that require purchases to play at the moment. The platform partners with WorldWinner for cash tournaments.
Instead of entering these daily tournaments directly through WorldWinner, MyPoints lets you get 4 points per $1 of game entries. First-time players can get a one-time deposit too.
You can practice these games for free and the entry fee starts at 25 cents. If you’re successful, your daily winnings can be more than playing games that require several days of play to meet the payout requirements.
Some of the games you can play are from these franchises – Angry Birds, Bejeweled, Scrabble, Solitaire, Spades, Super Plinko, Trivial Pursuit, and Wheel of Fortune.
There are several other ways to earn rewards points on MyPoints and no purchase is necessary for several. Some of the options include taking online surveys, watching videos, and trying new apps.
Online shopping and in-store purchases along with product trials are available too if you’re willing to spend money.
You only need $3 to start redeeming your rewards for gift cards to Amazon and $5 for many other restaurants and stores. PayPal cash redemptions start at $10.
Why We Like MyPoints
- Gift card prizes start at $3
- PayPal rewards start at $10
- Several ways to earn points
- Can win WorldWinner cash tournaments
15. Dominoes Gold
Works With: Android and iOS
Prize Options: Cash and gift cards
Another timeless game, Fives (also known as Muggins, All Fives, Five Up, and Doer Di), lets you earn real money through Dominoes Gold. You can compete in daily tournaments to win cash prizes.
First, you can play free games against your opponent to improve your skills. However, you won’t play them head-on but against the computer with an identical board. The human with the most points wins.
Once you’re ready to win real money, you can compete in live tournaments versus other players. Winners can receive PayPal cash, gift cards, merchandise, and sweepstakes.
Please Note! Cash tournaments are available in most of the world. Cash tournaments are not enabled in the following states: AR, CT, DE, IN, LA, ME, SD. If you don’t live in a prize-enabled region, you can still play for free.
Why We Like Dominoes Gold
- Cash and gift card prizes
- One of the few apps to offer Dominoes
- Daily tournaments
- 4.7 stars on 26.1K reviews on Apple Store, 4.5 stars on 2.2K reviews on Google Play Store
16. Big Buck Hunter: Marksman
Works With: iOS and Android
Prize Options: Cash, PayPal, and gift cards
I remember playing Big Buck Hunter in local bars all the time during college, I had no idea (but am not at all surprised) it was ported to smartphones and offer you the ability to compete against other players to win cash prizes.
If you never played it, the premise was simple – you’re a hunter and you need to shoot bucks (male deer). You tap and hold to look down the scope of your rifle, drag to aim, and then release to fire the rifle. Hit the buck and you get points. Hit female deer, or does (they’re the ones without antlers) and you lose points.
It’s not a difficult game but it’s not an easy one either. You can win cash prizes competing in tournaments or head to head against other players.
Why We Like Big Buck Hunter
- Can compete against other players
- Gives you a bit of a challenge
17. Money Well
Works With: Android
Prize Options: Cash, PayPal, and gift cards
Money Well is another game platform that awards you tickets just for playing the games on their app. When you play, you earn tickets you can use to get gift cards and discount vouchers from various brands. You can also earn cash payouts.
There are no in-app purchases, no money to deposit, and no advertising. You are awarded tickets just by playing and the tickets are based on time alone. There’s no need to win, you don’t compete in tournaments, and you can always see how many tickets you’re earning.
Why We Like Money Well
- No in-app purchases or advertising
- Don’t need to win or compete to earn
18. Scrambly
Works With: Android
Prize Options: Cashback and gift cards
With Scrambly, you can earn cash rewards for completing various tasks, such as answering surveys for marketers, testing apps, and playing games. Scrambly’s purpose is to help brands get consumer feedback or test out new apps — and those brands are happy to pay you in exchange for your time.
Your rewards can come in the form of cash back via Visa, Amazon, or PayPal, or you can redeem for virtual gift cards with Google Play, Apple, Spotify, and Walmart.
Cashouts are instant, with just a $1 minimum to PayPal, and you can withdraw as much as you like.
Why We Like Scrambly
- Lots of reward redemption options to choose from
- Instant cashouts at just $1 to PayPal
Money-Paying Games FAQs
Here are some frequent questions about playing games that pay real money.
What is the Minimum Age to Play Game Apps that Pay Real Cash and Prizes?
Most games require you to be at least 18 years old to play games and make money including non-casino games.
How do Games that Pay Money Work?
A few games that pay you don’t require any upfront or in-app purchases. However, you may need to dedicate a lot of time during a short period to reach the level necessary to receive payment. This strategy is common for adventure, RPG, and puzzle games.
Most games that pay you require in-app purchases to reach levels on time or an upfront tournament buy-in before you earn any points. Casino games may not earn money if you don’t finish well in the tournament.
Many games of chance let you practice for free to improve your skills before you compete for cash.
What are the Payment Options?
Most rewards games offer cash payments by PayPal or direct deposit. Others will pay cash directly to Cash App. Gift cards are another popular redemption option for the largest retail and restaurant brands. Visa or Mastercard prepaid cards can be available too.
Do Game Apps Actually Pay Money?
Yes – the game apps we list pay money. While there are mobile game scams out there, most game apps are free and pay out reliably. Each game has different payment policies and redemption minimums. You will want to find a game with low redemption minimums, low fees, and (potentially) multiple ways to make money like micro-task sites.
Are Games That Pay Worth It?
You won’t get rich playing games, but it can be a fun way to earn a little extra cash if you enjoy playing them. Whether it’s worth it depends on how you approach it. If you enjoy playing the games, then making a little money is a nice side benefit. If you’re looking for this to replace an income, it’s simply not possible. You will not earn enough to make a living but you will earn more than what you would playing Candy Crush.
If you’d like to review games instead of just playing them, check out Testerup.
Summary
As you can see, there are many ways to make money by playing games. It doesn’t matter if you prefer casino games, adventure, puzzle, or arcade games. While some platforms have a pay-to-play policy, you can stack cash and gift cards for your efforts.
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About Josh Patoka
After graduating in $50k with student loans in May 2008 from Virginia Military Institute with a B.A. International Studies and Political Science with a minor in Spanish (he studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain for 3 months), Josh decided to sell his soul for seven years by working in the transportation industry to get out of debt ASAP and focus on doing something else with a better work-life balance.
He is a father of three and has been writing about (almost) everything personal finance since 2015. You can also find him at his own blog Money Buffalo where he shares his personal experience of becoming debt-free (twice) and taking a 50%+ pay cut when he changed careers.
Today, Josh relishes the flexibility of being self-employed and debt-free and encourages others to pursue their dreams. Josh enjoys spending his free time reading books and spending time with his wife and three children.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank or financial institution. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
