Making money on the side is something almost everyone can get on board with, especially when you can have fun doing it! If you’re someone that enjoys screen time once in a while and wouldn’t mind snagging some extra cash, keep reading.
Back in the day there weren’t as many options for making money while playing games. You either had to hit the casino and hope you got lucky or find a random trivia tournament somewhere.
Luckily, modern apps that pay you money to play games are pretty common and can help you win gift cards, cash, and other prizes. As just a “for fun” activity, you can’t beat earning money while being entertained at the same time.
We’ve researched and tried some of the top-rated apps available to help you figure out where to start, and this list of 25 hits the mark.
Why would anyone pay you to play games?
Companies and developers want people to play their apps. What’s in it for them? They make a cut of your earnings or earn revenue through different channels like ads and affiliates. So, before you think it sounds too good to be true, it’s not!
Best Games That Pay Real Money
1. Blackout Bingo
Formerly known as Blackout Blitz, Blackout Bingo is one of the best gaming apps you can download, with thousands of five-star ratings to vouch for its fun factor.
You’ll create an avatar and screen name and soon after start a practice round to get used to the game. You can then start with a practice round to get the hang of how everything works.
Once you feel comfortable enough to play for real money, have a go at it! A deposit will be needed to get started, but there are several ways to win — including referring your friends to sign up.
Key Takeaways
- Earn real prizes and income while simply playing a game
- Beautiful and fun user interface that’s simple to use
- 4.5 star rated out of over 76k app store ratings
- Get earnings via check or Paypal
Device
Apple or Android
2. Swagbucks Games
Swagbucks has partnered with various app developers to offer a wide selection of games for users to choose from. Each option pays out a bit differently, so make sure you read the rules before playing.
It’s also helpful to check out the payment forms offered like gift cards, prepaid cards, checks, or funds through PayPal.
You’ll also earn Swagbucks that are redeemable for prizes through playing addicting games like:
- Solitaire Rush
- Angry Birds Champions
- Trivial Pursuit
- Wheel of Fortune
- Bejeweled Champions
- Big Money
- My Gym: Fitness Studio Manager
- And dozens more!
Key Takeaways
- Play for both cash and Swagbucks
- Large selection of games to choose from
- Beautiful and fun user interface that’s simple to use
- Swagbucks has a 4.4 star rating out of 62k ratings in the App Store
Device
Apple or Android (must create a Swagbucks account first)
3. Mistplay
Mistplay is an app that has a variety of games available to play to earn points or “units” (the app’s currency) that are redeemable for gift cards from companies like:
- Nintendo
- Visa
- Google Play
- Starbucks
- iTunes
- Amazon
- And more!
Each game offers a different number of units for playing, so be sure to review the rules before beginning. Gift cards are typically delivered via email within a day or two, so you can count on your rewards to come quickly. Your potential to earn points increases the longer you play and the more experience you gain (the app has an internal rating system).
Key Takeaways
- Earn units through gameplay
- Great earning potential, especially when you reach higher levels
- Redeem your points for various gift cards
Device
Android only (although the company plans to release Mistplay on iOS at some point)
4. Inbox Dollars
This platform is similar to others like Swagbucks where you complete certain tasks like playing games to earn money. Once you sign up, there are various tasks to complete to earn cash, including game play.
According to the platform, when users sign up for GSN games through InboxDollars, they can get 18% back for each dollar they spend through their WorldWinner balance. So, if you are playing online anyway, you might as well earn at the same time!
For people who don’t want to play through GSN, there are other games on the platform that can earn you virtual scratch-off tickets that can be worth money.
Key Takeaways
- Best for people who already pay to play games online
- Earn straight cash
- Complete other activities for money through the app
Device
Apple or Android
5. Strike! By Bowlero
If you’re a fan of bowling, Strike! Is for you. Not only can you compete for both money and prizes, but you can also score discounts to Bowlero, AMF, and Bowlmor facilities across the USA.
Live, realistic tournaments with friends and other bowlers make this game a top choice for users wanting something fun and familiar.
Get bonus rewards points for becoming an MVB rewards member and get even more incentives. If you can’t find the time to bowl in person, Strike! Is the next best thing.
Key Takeaways
- Intuitive and realistic bowling
- Choose traditional lanes or a fun blacklight mode with bright, colorful pins
- Win real cash and join live tournaments
Device
Apple or Android
6. Swagbucks LIVE
Earn potentially thousands every week with this exciting live trivia game you can play with anyone. Once you download the Swagbucks LIVE app, you’ll have the chance to participate in a 10-question trivia game daily for a chance to earn cash and Swagbucks.
With entertaining hosts and questions ranging from easy to really hard, virtually anyone can have a blast playing.
If you’re ready to test your knowledge and face a challenge, download the app today and invite a friend!
Key Takeaways
- Have a chance to win money every day with live tournaments
- 4.5 star rated in the Google Play Store with over 12k ratings
- Compete with friends by inviting them to the live competition
Device
Apple or Android
7. PCH
Remember the days of watching Publishers Clearing House show up at unsuspecting people’s doors and award them with a giant check? They have an app now, and it’s another great way you can play to earn money.
Ways to earn:
- The exclusive daily app giveaway is a chance to win gift cards, money, and other prizes with winners guaranteed
- Get free scratch cards and play instant-win games that pay up to $2500 in a single play
- Enjoy PCHslots and the PCHlotto for a chance at millions
With other ways to win even more, PCH is a popular choice for an opportunity to win big.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple types of games to choose from
- No guaranteed payout
- PCH provides free games
- Rated over 4 stars out of 370k+ ratings in the Google Play Store
Device
Apple, Android, or desktop
8. Lucktastic
If you’re a fan of scratch cards then Lucktastic might be your next obsession. Play 100% free scratchers every day and win awesome gift cards and prizes. The scratch card themes change regularly for a fun experience.
You can win even more by entering sweepstakes and contests. Per the platform, Lucktastic has paid out over $10 million in prizes to real players so far, so give it a shot and try your luck.
Key Takeaways
- Play daily for a chance to win
- Completely free to play (no purchase required)
- Limited edition scratchers
Device
Android
9. Cube Cube
If Tetris is more your jam, you’ll love Cube Cube. While it may seem like a pretty simple arcade-style game, it actually requires some strategy so get ready to use your brain!
You can win cash prizes by going head to head with other competitors. Unfortunately some states do not lawfully allow cash tournaments, so do your research before starting (AZ, AR, CT, DE, FL, IL, LA, MD, MT, SC, SD, and TN are currently not enabled for the tournaments).
New users can score $10 in bonus cash after making a deposit within the first hour of play after sign up.
Key Takeaways
- Similar game to the classic Tetris
- Play head to head with other competitors for cash
- In states that don’t allow cash tournaments, you can still play for virtual currency
Device
Apple or Android
10. Bubble Cash
In our opinion, any game with the name “bubble” in it is worth giving a shot. With Bubble Cash, you can’t go wrong with popping bubbles to win money. In fact, you can win up to $83 per game. Plus, popping bubbles is great for stress.
The app is free to download and you compete against other players with the same skill level. The idea is to score by tapping three bubbles of the same color that line up and send them away.
Cash tournaments to win prize money aren’t free, but you can use gems you’ve earned from free rounds to compete for cash.
Key Takeaways
- Both free play and paid tournaments available
- Win up to $83 per game
- Compete with others based on the same skill level
- Cash out through PayPal or Apple Pay
Device
Apple or Android (reviews are much better in the App Store)
11. Long Game
This app is more unique in our list of 25 as the goal is to increase your savings and interest at your bank. The larger your savings balance is, the more coins you can earn to play games for real cash & crypto.
The first step is to connect the app to your bank using a secure process. You’ll then be able to earn coins and play games for real monetary rewards. Not bad right?
Check out Long Game and start playing games to earn crypto and cash.
Key Takeaways
- Must connect the app to your financial institution
- Earn cash and crypto from game play
- 45+ games available for users
- Higher savings balances earn more coins
Device
Apple and Android
12. Gamehag
This rewards platform is unique in that it also offers PC games (and an impressive number at that) on top of mobile options. It’s perfect for gamers that are playing daily and want to earn prizes on top of what they are already doing.
Earn the platform’s currency called “Soul Gems” by completing specific tasks while playing. You can then redeem the gems for tons of cool rewards like prepaid gift cards, skins, other video games, crypto, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Wide variety of both mobile and computer games
- Plenty of reward options
- Upgrade to a VIP membership on Gamehag to earn 10% more Soul Gems ($4/month)
Device
Apple, Android, and desktop
13. Play and Win
For trivia buffs out there searching for a worthwhile app, Play and Win won’t disappoint. Topics range from technology and movies to sports and history. You can count on a fun and challenging experience every time you play.
Power ups give you the option to use a lifeline like swapping questions or asking the audience.
If playing exciting trivia games and winning cash prizes sounds good to you, then give Play and Win a try.
Key Takeaways
- New games start every hour for plenty of chances to win
- Millions of players compete worldwide
- Invite friends and earn more rewards
Device
Apple and Android
14. Zynga Poker
With millions of downloads on mobile devices alone, Zynga Poker is one of the world’s most recognized and popular poker platforms. You can count on an authentic experience with plenty of options to choose from.
Get a welcome bonus of 60,000 poker chips to jumpstart your tournaments just by signing up. More chips can be earned by completing tasks like watching ads, doing the daily challenges, and more.
Buy-ins are as little as $0.99 all the way up to several hundred dollars for serious players. You can play with people from across the world instantly.
Key Takeaways
- True Vegas-style game (Zynga Poker is officially certified)
- Casual games or high stake jackpots available
- Play in the traditional 9-person game or Zynga’s new 5-person style game
Device
Apple, Android, Facebook, and ZyngaPoker.com
15. GAMEE Prizes
The tagline of GAMEE Prizes is “Play free games, win cash prizes.” This is one of the few options where all the games are completely free.
You could potentially win hundreds of dollars every week by trying your hand at the large selection of in-app games available (although realistically your earnings will probably be a little more modest).
With 70+ games on the platform, there’s no shortage of choices. Earn tickets for game play and redeem them for prizes once you have enough.
Key Takeaways
- All games are free, with no buy-ins required, ever!
- New games brought to the app every month
- Sundays are the best chance to win big money
Device
Apple and Android
16. Solitaire Cube
Solitaire is a classic game that is traditionally played alone. Solitaire Cube has put an exciting twist on the standard game, where you play head to head against other players at a faster pace.
First, you’ll start out playing some practice rounds to gauge your skill level (so you can be matched appropriately to others with similar skills). While playing free games in the practice league, you’ll earn Z Coins (the app’s currency) and Ticketz that are redeemable for real prizes.
Want a chance to earn big money? The Pro League has paid tournaments that require a cash deposit to compete. Don’t worry, you can join these matches for as little as $1 and move up from there once you fine tune your skills.
Key Takeaways
- Win real cash (some seasoned Solitaire Cube vets have won close to 400k!)
- Win prizes by redeeming your Ticketz earned through free play
- Spend 1-2 minutes per round
- Play for free or join cash tournaments
Device
Apple and Android
17. Givling
If you have lingering student loans, this app is for you (if you don’t have student loans, you can still win money).
Once you sign up, you’ll be assigned to a team. You’ll work together to answer a series of trivia questions to earn valuable points. You’ll keep playing until three questions are answered incorrectly, or until the questions run out in a round. If your team happens to score the most points by the end of the week, you’ll get to split the cash amongst each other!
To earn more points on Givling, you can:
- Play trivia for free
- Buy coins for more play time
- Watch ads on the app
- Complete sponsor offers
- Shop in the store
- Invite friends
Key Takeaways
- Play two free rounds of trivia in a 24 hour period
- Play more rounds for a minimal fee
- Join the Givling Queue for a chance to have your student loans paid off completely
Device
Apple and Android
18. Big Time Cash
This is another completely free gaming app that rewards you to play mobile games and complete other tasks.
Once you sign up, there will be preloaded games available. Each one comes with a tutorial to quickly review before giving it a shot. You’ll earn tickets each time you play, but where the real earnings come from is setting high scores.
Every day you can claim a prize of bonus tickets or a ticket multiplier, so don’t forget to claim yours each day you log on. There are also more chances to earn tickets through paid offers like installing other mobile games or watching videos.
Key Takeaways
- Withdraw through PayPal once you’ve hit the $10 mark
- Games are totally free
- Play preloaded games within the app (no need to download each one separately)
Device
Apple and Android
19. Brain Battle
Want to play something a little more challenging for your brain? Brain Battle games are match puzzles that you can solve to win tickets.
The more tickets you collect, the better chance you have of winning cash prizes. All you need is at least one ticket to enter the cash prize draw. Earn money playing puzzle games completely free!
Key Takeaways
- Free-2-win — no “pay to play” required
- Math games are challenging and mentally stimulating (but fun at the same time)
- Rated 4 stars with 37k review in the Google Play Store
Device
Apple or Android
20. GamerSaloon
GamerSaloon is a popular video game tournament app where you can compete against others for cash.
Steps to winning:
- Fund your account through the app
- Play by joining 1v1 matches or tournaments with multiple players
- Link your account, submit your results and score cash if you’re the winner
Play popular video games like Call of Duty: Warzone, NBA 2K22, Fortnite, and much more. The platform has awarded $85 million in prizes since it started in 2006.
Key Takeaways
- Cash tournament style pay-to-win
- Play popular video games against others
- Thousand of gamers worldwide since 2006
Device
Apple or Android
21. Pool Payday: 8 Ball Billiards
There’s nothing more relaxing than a game of pool with friends. Now, you can play pool anywhere and even compete for cash.
Earn Ticketz through free gameplay that are redeemable for real prizes. If you want the opportunity to win big, join leagues for real-time tournaments. Start for as little as $0.60 and move up to bigger entry fees as your skills improve.
Key Takeaways
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 with over 73k ratings in the App Store
- One of the top pool games to earn money
- Play for free or pay a small fee to join tournaments
Device
Apple or Android
22. Bingo Clash
Earn money from bingo in your spare time by downloading the top-rated Bingo Clash on your mobile device.
Choose from various modes like 1v1 and multiplayer mode with players of a similar skill level. The best part is you can enjoy continuous gameplay without annoying advertisements.
Play for tickets or cash depending on how you want to win (tickets can be turned in for prizes or cash game entries too). With plenty of thrilling bingo games to choose from, Bingo Clash does not disappoint.
Key Takeaways
- 4.5 star-rated with over 65k ratings in the App Store
- Play free games to earn tickets or participate in cash tourneys
- No ads for the best user experience
Device
Apple or Android
23. Jackpocket
For all the regular lotto players out there, you’ll love Jackpocket. Instead of purchasing lottery tickets from the gas station and dealing with the stress of losing your copy, the app takes care of everything for you.
The platform allows you to play official state lottery games like Powerball and Mega Millions just like you would in person. Play from anytime and anywhere with a secure and safe system used by thousands of people. A physical copy of your ticket is actually stored in a locked vault under 24/7 surveillance.
Key Takeaways
- Play official state lottery games from your mobile device
- Get automatic alerts and payouts if you win
- Features like daily spending limits and self-exclusion opt-ins ensure you don’t gamble too much money
- 100% safe and encrypted
Device
Apple and Android
24. 21 Blitz
This modern play on the classic Blackjack game will have you and your friends coming back for more. 21 Blitz can be described as a fast-paced, simple game of Blackjack and Solitaire combined.
All you have to do is make 21s from your stacks to score points and win. You have three minutes to go through one deck, so it’s definitely a game of skill and speed.
Play in free practice matches to earn Z Coins (currency that allows you to play more games) and Ticketz that can be redeemed for cool prizes. To compete for bigger pots, join head-to-head matches or tournaments.
Key Takeaways
- Play free matches to earn Z Coins and Ticketz
- Advance to paid tournaments for a small fee
- Potentially win thousands of dollars in tournament style matches
- Fast and exciting pace
Device
Apple or Android
25. Dominoes Gold
This fun game is modeled after the classic domino board game, but with the chance to win cash and other rewards. Like other Skillz-powered games, you can snatch Ticketz through free gameplay.
If you’re looking to have a shot at higher winnings, pay to enter games like:
- Live 1v1
- Dominoes Court
- Pro League
Whether you’re a casual player or serious pro, Dominoes Gold has something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Win Ticketz, prizes, or cash
- Complete games in just a few minutes
- Get $50 free for depositing $50
Device
Apple or Android
Do Game Apps Pay Real Money?
Yes, there are games that pay real money.
This is because they are often earning money by displaying ads or other monetizing strategies. They are then able to pay you a fraction of the earnings when you watch an ad.
Once you reach a minimum payout amount in your account, then you can transfer your money into ways you can use it like gift cards or even PayPal.
A few last words
No matter what your interests are, there are options for everyone who wants to play games to earn cash. Remember, not all states allow cash tournaments so ensure you double check your state laws before playing. Happy gaming!