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.
Table of Contents
- 1. Swagbucks – 🏆
- 2. Solitaire Smash: Real Cash!
- 3. Blackout Bingo
- 4. Bubble Cash
- 5. Freecash
- 6. Match to Win
- 7. Solitaire Cash
- 8. Solitaire Cube
- 9. Bingo Cash
- 10. Mode Earn App
- 11. Pool Payday
- 12. Mistplay
- 13. Cash Giraffe
- 14. Cash’em All
- 15. InboxDollars
- 16. MyPoints
- 17. Dominoes Gold
- 18. AppStation
- 19. Big Buck Hunter: Marksman
- 20. Money Well
- 21. 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 |
| Solitaire Smash | iOS | Solitaire | Skill based, same deck, daily gifts | 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 |
| Match to Win | Android & iOS | Puzzle | Completely free to play, puzzle matcher | Learn more |
| Solitaire Cash | Android & iOS | Solitaire | Many varieties of solitaire | Learn more |
| Mode Earn App | Android only | Multiple | Many games and other ways to make money | 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 |
| Big Buck Hunter | Android & iOS | Hunting | It’s Big Buck Hunter on your phone! | 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. Solitaire Smash: Real Cash!
Works With: iOS Only (Samsung soon!)
Prize Options: Cash and prizes
Solitaire Smash: Real Cash! is a wonderfully designed solitaire game that pits you up against other players of similar skill level using the exact same deck. You can compete against them head-to-head or in a tournament but it relies totally on skill, making it one of the fairest games available.
There are real money tournaments and you can cash out with PayPal and Apple Pay. There are also daily gifts and bonuses along with special challenges and surprises to keep the game exciting.
The gameplay is fast and intuitive. There’s also a way to undo moves to try something completely different, a nice little feature that can really tap on your experience and skills.
Cash tournaments are not available in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Vermont.
Why We Like Solitaire Smash
- You use the same exact deck
- You can undo moves and try a different strategy
- Fast payouts on PayPal and Apple Cash
- 4.8 stars on 19.8K reviews on Apple Store
Learn more about Solitaire Smash
3. 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. Our Blackout Bingo review goes into greater detail.
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
Learn more about Blackout Bingo
4. Bubble Cash
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
5. 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.
6. Match to Win
Works With: Android and iOS
Prize Options: Cash
Match to Win is the only game on this list where you can win money without making a deposit – making it a very appealing app and one you may wish to consider. The game itself is easy, these are matching puzzle games set to a Hawaiian, Parisian, or San Francisco theme. The puzzles are quick, will test your skills, and there are a variety of ways to win.
There are a variety of levels, powerups, and other fun features to keep the game interesting. There are also sweepstakes where you can win $1,000 monthly and $100 daily prizes.
(if you’re wondering how you can win money without depositing any money, it’s because you’ll be watching ads)
You earn tokens that can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or Amazon Gift Cards.
Why We Like Match to Win
- No deposit required, you can play 100% free and still win money
- Fun puzzle game
- With 271.1K ratings, it currently enjoys a 4.5 star rating in the Apple App Store.
7. 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 in smooth and sleek so you won’t be frustrated when you play – it’s fast paced and engaging. If you want to learn more, our Solitaire Cash review has more details.
Free to download and play. If you enter tournaments, you can even earn real money. Cash tournaments are not available in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, South Carolina, and Washington.
With 209.9K ratings, it has a 4.6 out of 5 on the Apple App Store.
8. 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.
You can read our Solitaire Cube review for more details.
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
Learn more about Solitaire Cube
9. 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.
10. Mode Earn App
Works With: Android only
Prize Options: Paypal or Gift card rewards
Mode Earn App is an Android app where you can earn cash doing a variety of activities from playing games to listening to music, shopping, and more. The biggest advantage is that you can earn points listening to music from radio stations, which is not available on a lot other apps.
Then, you can redeem those points for gift cards to merchants you know and probably love.
The main advantage of this app is the ability to earn points while listening to music – you can play games and still earn that way, but the addition of music is a nice method not seen anywhere else.
This platform is different than some of the others on this page because you don’t have to deposit cash and compete against other people in a tournament. It’s free and you just play games.
Mode Earn App has been downloaded over 10 million times and has 4.4 stars on 2.89 million reviews on the Google Play store.
Why We Like Mode Earn App
- Includes games but also listening to music
- You don’t have to pay to play – games are free
- You earn points based on how long you play or listen
- You can convert points to gift cards
Learn more about Mode Earn App
11. 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. Our Pool Payday review has more about how this game works.
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
12. 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 earn money. There are many game options to choose from but you may need to make in-app purchases to reach advanced levels sooner.
The platform lets you redeem points 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 point value.
You will earn points as you install and complete the in-game tasks. In addition to earning points when reaching higher levels inside games, you will earn points with the Mistplay loyalty program. Having a higher loyalty status lets can help you earn bonus points.
This service doesn’t offer PayPal cash rewards like other gaming apps. However, virtual Visa prepaid cards can be a good alternative.
Check out our full review of Mistplay for more details.
Why We Like Mistplay
- Multiple game options
- Can earn loyalty bonuses
- Gift card rewards start at $0.50
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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
Read our InboxDollars review to learn more.
16. 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
17. 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
Learn more about Dominoes Gold
18. AppStation
Works With: Android and iOS
Prize Options: PayPal, Gift cards, Steam coupons, etc
AppStation is another platform that gives you rewards for playing the games and is based entirely on the time you put into it. When you play, you earn and you don’t have to figure out your earning rates, just play and earn.
When you download the app, you start with 4444 coin rewards and are well on your way to cashing out for some good rewards.
Why We Like AppStation
- Completely free, no in-app purchases, no ads
- 4.3 stars on 273K reviews on Google Play Store
19. 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
Learn more about Big Buck Hunter
20. 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
21. 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.
Most games require you to be at least 18 years old to play games and make money including non-casino games.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jennifer says
Claiming “free” to play is a little misleading. I’ll use Skillz Blackout Bingo & Solitaire Cube as examples.
There are three forms of currency: in-game tokens (‘z’), tickets, and cash.
In-game tokens aren’t hard to get. Even if you spend all of them, you can claim free (‘z’) every two minutes.
Tickets are earned when you lose a game, as a reward from trophies, and some of the once-a-day login rewards. Tickets can be traded for items. For a concept of value, 20,000 tickets can be traded for $1 cash, while saving up to 5,500,000 can be traded for $500.
Cash is the real money pool. It is possible to acquire tiny amounts of cash from logging in daily (day 2 might give $0.20 and day 7 might give $0.40) but otherwise it requires adding real money.
(There are also medals/awards that go toward ranking, but they aren’t a currency.)
There are then different kinds of games that can be entered.
Practice games: Spend 1 (‘z’) and either win 2 (‘z’) or lose and get 1 ticket. This is the only truly free game available. That’s 20,000 games lost to get $1 and won games just mean you can play more games without running out.
Head to Head games: These are the simpler one-on-one games that can be used to win cash (or spend without winning). Both entrants pay an amount and the prize is 80% of the total entry fee. Lose and get some number of tickets. The math for a $0.60 entry fee is you’d have to play and lose 400 games to cash our $1 from tickets.
Now remember, you’re matched against people at your skill level. That would mean about a 50/50 record of wins and losses. For every $1.20 you spend (two games), you win one ($1.00 yay!) and lose one (1/400th of $1 boo).
Brackets: Now you’re up against more players. Entry fee of $3 for four players, payout of $8 with Skillz keeping the $4 difference. One in four chance of winning, so you’ll spend $12 to get $8 plus at best a penny in tickets.)
Events: Here’s where the big numbers show up. $2000 prize! Infinite number of players, $3 entry fee. Skillz break-even point is 667 players, but more likely there will be over 1000. Great for them, as every penny over $2000 is theirs. Oh, but it’s not $2000 to the winner. It’s $500 to first place, $200 to second, and so on down to 76th-100th getting $4 each. Everyone in 101st place down gets 225 tickets, or just over a penny if they save enough up.
Summary: play them if they’re fun, do not expect any sort of consistent cash back from them. (If you’re willing to do the daily logins and only play practice games, you’d earn $0.60 a week and occasionally enough tickets to trade in for $1.)
Do NOT get the idea you’re going to win with your skills, because the whole point is to pair you with people at your skill level – people who will beat you as often as they lose to you.
Your breakdown is accurate but they still are free to play, though you won’t win massive amounts (nor do they promise you will) if you just play for free.