24 Best Games That Pay Real Money (June 2023)

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. 1. Blackout Bingo – 🏆 Top Pick!
  2. 2. Pool Payday
  3. 3. Dominoes Gold
  4. 4. Bubble Cash
  5. 5. Solitaire Cash
  6. 6. Solitaire Cube
  7. 7. Bingo Cash
  8. 8. Swagbucks
  9. 9. Rewarded Play
  10. 10. Mistplay
  11. 11. InboxDollars
  12. 12. MyPoints
  13. 13. 21 Blitz
  14. 14. Freecash
  15. 15. Big Buck Hunter: Marksman
  16. 16. Gamehag
  17. 17. Long Game
  18. 18. Flash Rewards
  19. 19. Wealth Words
  20. 20. iRazoo
  21. 21. Play and Win
  22. 22. HQ
  23. 23. Gamesville
  24. 24. PCH Games
  25. Money-Paying Games FAQs
  26. 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):

NameWorks WithGame
Type
Why We Like Them
Blackout BingoAndroid & iOSBingoFree, two minutes per round, very easy to playLearn more
Pool PaydayAndroid & iOSPoolPlay pool on your phone to win prizesLearn more
Dominoes GoldAndroid & iOSDominoesThe best dominoes game availableLearn more
Bubble CashAndroid & iOSBubbleSkill-based Bubble popper gameLearn more
Solitaire CashAndroid & iOSSolitaireMany varieties of solitaireLearn more
Rewarded PlayAndroid onlyMultipleMany games and other ways to make moneyLearn more
Solitaire Cube Android & iOSSolitaire Short solitaire games (solo and tourney) Learn more
SwagbucksAndroid & iOSMultipleFree, tons of games, multiple ways to make moneyLearn more

1. Blackout Bingo – 🏆 Top Pick!

Blackout Bingo Logo

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

2. Pool Payday

Pool Payday Logo

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

Learn more about Pool Payday

3. 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

Bubble Cash Logo

4. 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

5. Solitaire Cash

Solitaire Cash Logo

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.

Learn more about Solitaire Cash

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

Learn more about Solitaire Cube

7. Bingo Cash

Bingo Cash Logo

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.

With 82.6K ratings, it has a 4.7 out of 5 on the Apple App Store.

Learn more about Bingo Cash

8. 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
  • 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
  • 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

Learn more about Swagbucks

9. 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 5 million times and has 4.3 stars on 119K 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

Learn more about Rewarded Play

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 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

Learn more about Mistplay

11. 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.

Learn more about InboxDollars

12. 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
  • 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

Learn more about MyPoints

13. 21 Blitz

Works With: Android and iOS

Prize Options: Cash

21 Blitz is a combination of Blackjack and Solitaire with free and paid games. The winner either reaches 21 or makes five card stacks. You can make money on the paid games if you beat the opponent.

It’s also possible to win rewards with the loyalty program.

The platform partners with Skillz (a reputable money-paying games platform) to compete in 1-on-1 tournaments against opponents with similar skill levels. Multiplayer tournaments are available too. Residents in most US states can participate.

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 21 Blitz

  • Cash prizes
  • 1-on-1 or multiplayer tournaments
  • Free practice rounds
  • 4.6 stars on 27K reviews on Apple Store, 4.5 stars on 3.1K reviews on Google Play Store

Learn more about 21 Blitz

14. 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.

Learn more about Freecash

15. 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.

Learn more about Big Buck Hunter

16. Gamehag

Works With: Android, iOS, and computer

Prize Options: Gift cards, game keys, skins

Gamehag lets you play mobile games and computer games to earn rewards after reaching a certain level. In addition, active members in the platform VIP program can receive bonus points and perks not available to standard users.

You can also earn bonus points by signing up for partner offers like downloading non-game apps or answering surveys.

Prize redemptions can be as low as $1.99 for Steam Wallet credits. Other rewards require a higher balance. Gift cards may need a $10 balance, for instance.

The different reward options include – Retail and restaurant gift cards, Digital game codes, Steam Wallet credits, Roblox Robux, Prepaid Mastercard gift cards, Skins, and Cryptocurrency.

This platform can provide different opportunities than other micro-task sites for games and short online tasks.

The mixture of cash and in-game rewards can also be a good combination if you don’t want PayPal cash.

Why We Like Gamehag

  • Many mobile and computer games
  • Diverse redemption options
  • No purchase is necessary for many games

Learn more about Gamehag

17. Long Game

Works With: Android and iOS

Prize Options: Cash

Long Game lets you play games for money with a unique twist. You can earn bank interest too.

The app connects to your savings or checking account at a partner bank. In 2021, the two current partners are nbkc bank and Varo.

The number of coins you earn depends on your current savings balance. Higher account balances earn more coins.

You can redeem these coins to play mobile games and potentially win small cash prizes. Long Game deposits these winnings into your linked account.

Why We Like Long Game

  • Can win cash prizes
  • Larger savings balances earn more tokens
  • Can play daily games
  • Links to an FDIC-insured savings account

Learn more about Long Game.

18. Flash Rewards

Works With: Android

Prize Options: Gift cards

Android users can discover new games and rewards with Flash Rewards. The platform also lets you complete offers such as signing up for subscription boxes and online services.

Many offers require making a purchase and you must decide if the rewards are worth the monetary cost and time commitment.

Each successful task completing earns rewards tokens that you can redeem for gift cards. The only cash-like rewards option is Visa prepaid cards.

Why We Like Flash Rewards

  • Several ways to earn rewards points
  • Multiple gift card rewards
  • Offers may not require a purchase

Learn more about Flash Rewards.

19. Wealth Words

Works With: Android, iOS, and computers

Prize Options: Cash

Do you like word games? If so, consider Wealth Words to play crosswords, stories, and poems to win money.

You will need to pay between $0.50 and $1 to enter a contest. You win the most rewards by correctly matching every clue.

The cashout minimum is $20 and you will need to receive your cash through PayPal.

Why We Like Wealth Words

  • PayPal prizes
  • Word puzzle games
  • Small entry fees

Learn more about Wealth Words.

20. iRazoo

Works With: Android, iOS, and computers

Prize Options: Cash and gift cards

iRazoo offers several ways to earn points for cash and gift cards:

  • Games
  • App downloads
  • Surveys
  • Videos
  • Product offers

One way to earn more points by playing games is by downloading the “Game of the Week.” You can earn a bonus by achieving a high score. The service can also enter you into the weekly prize sweepstakes to win 1,500 points ($2.50).

You can begin requesting payment with a $5 balance for gift cards and $20 for PayPal cash.

Why We Like iRazoo

  • Several ways to earn points
  • Cash or gift card rewards
  • $5 minimum payment

Learn more about iRazoo.

21. Play and Win

Works With: Android and iOS

Prize Options: Cash

Play & Win offers cash rewards trivia games. New games start each hour for these topics:

  • Technology
  • Sports
  • Culture
  • Movies
  • History
  • Games
  • General knowledge

When you’re not in the mood for trivia, you can play the Flip & Win game to match cards for prizes.

Why We Like Play and Win

  • New games each hour
  • Many trivia topics
  • Free to play

Learn more about Play and Win.

22. HQ

Works With: Android and iOS

Prize Options: Cash

HQ is another free trivia game that lets you win real cash money. There are daily trivia matches and puzzle games too. The top weekly earners get additional prizes too.

Why We Like HQ

  • Trivia and puzzle games
  • Daily contests
  • Weekly leaders can earn bonus rewards

Learn more about HQ.

23. Gamesville

Works With: Android, iOS, and computer

Prize Options: Cash

Gamesville offers cash prizes for online bingo. You earn points by getting bingo and daubing the correct numbers. The platform gives you bonus boosts that can help you get bingo sooner or earn extra sweepstakes entries.

It’s free to play but you must win the weekly prize drawing to earn cash. Four random winners will either win up to $10.

The payout is small but you don’t have to pay to play like most bingo games that pay real cash.

Other games are available for free and can win money too including Dice, Sudoku, and Poker.

Why We Like Gamesville

  • It’s free
  • Weekly cash prizes
  • Bingo and other popular games

Learn more about Gamesville.

24. PCH Games

Works With: Android, iOS, and computers

Prize Options: Cash, gift cards, and merchandise

PCH Games offers instant win games and token games that are free to play. The instant win arcade games can let you win up to $1,000. Losing the game means you don’t earn any points.

Token games require a more significant time commitment but you earn tokens you can redeem for prize sweepstakes entries. You can win cash, gift cards, and merchandise depending on which sweepstakes you enter.

Some of the game genres are card games, strategy, word, and matching.

There are also virtual slots, scratch cards, and quizzes that can win rewards too.

Of course, PCH also lets you enter their iconic cash sweepstakes by simply entering your contact information and not playing a game or purchases a magazine subscription.

As you are not guaranteed a payout with these games, you might consider other platforms first with similar opportunities.

Why We Like PCH Games

  • Many types of games to play
  • All games are free
  • Instant win games are available

Learn more about PCH Games.

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.

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.

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Where Are the Best Places to Sell Used DVDs?

Do you have a cabinet full of DVDs you want to get rid of? With the advent of streaming services, more and more people are getting rid of their DVD movie media collections. But where can you sell your DVDs quickly, and for a good price? Here are 10 of the best places to sell your used DVDs.

16 Games that Pay Instantly to Cash App (June 2023)

If you enjoy playing games on your phone for money, you can get paid in cash by using Cash App. In fact, Cash App may be more convenient than PayPal (the older money app) because it lets you split purchases with friends and make debit card purchases.

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.

Reader Interactions

Comments

About the comments on this site:

These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

  1. 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.

    • Jim Wang says

      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.

As Seen In: