Games Where You Can Earn Real Money

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 now.

Mobile games are a fun activity in your free time. Unlike the very first phone games such as Snake or Tetris that were for entertainment only, many game apps pay real money today.

They need players and are willing to pay a few of them to play. That could be you.

From arcade games to trivia, you can have fun and make money in your spare time.

Table of Contents

Best Games That Pay Real Money

1. Blackout Bingo – 🏆 Top Pick!
2. Pool Payday
3. Swagbucks
4. Mistplay
5. Solitaire Cube
6. InboxDollars
7. MyPoints
8. Dominoes Gold
9. Bananatic
10. 21 Blitz
11. Zynga Poker
12. Gamehag
13. Jackpocket
14. Boodle
15. Long Game
16. Flash Rewards
17. Casino.com
18. Strike!
19. Wealth Words
20. iRazoo
21. Play and Win
22. HQ
23. Gamesville
24. PCH Games

Money-Paying Games FAQs

What is the Minimum Age to Play Game Apps that Pay Real Cash and Prizes?
How do Games that Pay Money Work?
What are the Payment Options?
Do Game Apps Really Pay You?

Summary

Best Games That Pay Real Money

Many games are free to download while others may require in-app purchases.

We list 26 below but these are our favorites (and why):

Name	Works With	Why We Like Them
Blackout Bingo	Android and iOS devices	Free, two minutes per round, very easy to play	Learn more
Pool Payday	Android and iOS devices	Play pool on your phone to win prizes	Learn more
Swagbucks	Android, iOS, & computers	Free, tons of games, multiple ways to make money	Learn more
Mistplay	Android devices only	Free, multiple games where you earn rewards	Learn more
Solitaire Cube	Android and iOS devices	Short solitaire games (solo and tourney)	Learn more
InboxDollars	Android, iOS, & computers	Free, many games and chances to make money	Learn more

1. Blackout Bingo – 🏆 Top Pick!

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. Each round takes 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.

Why We Like Blackout Bingo

Free to play
PayPal rewards
Play against people with similar skill levels

Learn more about Blackout Bingo

2. Pool Payday

Works With: Android and iOS

Prize Options: Cash

To play digital pool consider Pool Payday 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.

Why We Like Pool Payday

Cash prizes
Several ways to earn bonus points
Unlimited free practice rounds

Learn more about Pool Payday

3. 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

4. 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.

Why We Like Mistplay

Multiple game options
Can earn loyalty bonuses
Gift card rewards start at $0.50

Learn more about Mistplay

5. 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.

Why We Like Solitaire Cube

Quick tournaments
Cash or merchandise rewards
Practice rounds are free

Learn more about Solitaire Cube

6. 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

Need to borrow money quickly and cheaply?

Monevo is a marketplace where you can find a low-cost personal loan in just 60 seconds. Enter in how much you need (as little as $1,000 and as much as $100,000) along with your personal details and you'll get an answer in just a few minutes.

Checking will NOT affect your credit score.

7. 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

8. 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.

Why We Like Dominoes Gold

Cash and gift card prizes
One of the few apps to offer Dominoes
Daily tournaments

Learn more about Dominoes Gold

9. Bananatic

Works With: Android, iOS, and PC

Prize Options: Gift cards, games, and skins

If you want to play mobile apps and computer games that pay, Bananatic offers many gaming and prize options.

Most gaming opportunities are for Android and iOS devices. You can also download Windows PC games and complete quests to earn points.

If you don't want to download games, there's also a "Fun Zone" section to play web-based games from your computer or phone mobile browser and earn points.

There are other activities you can complete to earn points (bananas):

Write game reviews
Record gameplay videos
Complete tasks from sponsors
Shop at participating online stores
Watch videos

Before you purchase an item within the game or at online stores, see if Bananatic offers shopping rewards.

The redemption minimum starts at $5 for a variety of rewards:

Gift cards (includes Amazon cards)
PayPal
Steam Wallet credits
Paysafecard currency
In-game currency and rewards
Skins
Digital game keys

Just like you can participate in more games, the prize options are better than most platforms.

Why We Like Bananatic

Works with mobile devices and computers
Flexible redemption options
Many games are free

Learn more about Bananatic

10. 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.

Why We Like 21 Blitz

Cash prizes
1-on-1 or multiplayer tournaments
Free practice rounds

Learn more about 21 Blitz

11. Zynga Poker

Works With: Android and iOS

Prize Options: Cash

Zynga Poker lets you play Texas Hold 'Em with either five or nine players. Cash tournament buy-ins start at $0.99 but can be as much as $399.99 if you're a serious card shark.

It's possible to earn up to 60,000 free chips when you create your account. Additional ways to earn free chips include:

Watching ads
Complete daily challenges
Play the Lucky Bonus slot machine

Consistent players can enjoy other in-game benefits and poker game modes by climbing the VIP loyalty club ladder.

Why We Like Zynga Poker

Fast-paced and popular Texas Hold 'Em rules
Multiplayer tournaments
Variable minimum buy-ins for cash tournaments
Can earn chips by completing in-app tasks

Learn more about Zynga Poker

12. 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
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

13. Jackpocket

Works With: Android and iOS

Prize Options: Cash

Instead of going to your local gas station or grocery store to buy state lottery tickets, try Jackpocket. While you must "pay to play" and are playing a game of chance, you can avoid lottery scams.

You can buy official lottery tickets for these programs:

Powerball
Mega Millions
Your official state lottery
Scratch cards (in select states)

You have the option of choosing your own numbers or one of the automated quick picks – just like at the gas station.

There are no fees if you win money. However, the app charges a transaction fee when you fund your account.

Any winnings up to $600 deposit directly into your Jackpocket account to buy new tickets or transfer to your bank account.

If you win a large prize ($600+ in most states), the service securely delivers a physical ticket for you to redeem at your state lottery office — and pay taxes on the prize amount.

While this app makes it easy to buy lottery tickets, it's is only available in a handful of states. You can only join Jackpocket (as of July 2021) in Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Washington D.C.

Why We Like Jackpocket

Can buy Powerball and Mega Millions tickets from home
Up to $600 in annual winnings can go to your bank account
Doesn't keep a portion of your winnings

Learn more about Jackpocket

14. Boodle

Works With: Android

Prize Options: Gift cards

Boodle is a lifestyle rewards app for Android users that pays you to try new apps and games. You can also earn points by signing up for monthly subscriptions such as Hulu.

There are several gift card rewards available as small as $2, including Amazon gift cards. Visa gift cards are available too.

Why We Like Boodle

Make money trying new apps and games
Earn points signing up for product offers
Retail and restaurant gift card rewards

Learn more about Boodle

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Casino.com

Works with: Android, iOS, and computer

Prize Options: Cash

If you want a wide array of casino games, you can try Casino.com. This platform is available in the United States and several foreign countries which is a positive for international readers.

You will need to pay to play to win cash prizes but you can practice for free.

There are many casino games you can play, including:

Blackjack
Poker
Roulette
Slots

It's possible to win daily and progressive jackpots, depending on the game.

There are regular promotions and a VIP club you can join to get free game entries and winning bonuses.

Why We Like Casino.com

Many game types
Daily and progressive jackpots
Available in many countries

Learn more about Casino.

18. Strike!

Works With: Android and iOS

Prize Options: Cash and free bowling games

Strike! can be an exciting sports game for virtual bowling. You can play in weekly tournaments to win cash and other prizes including bowling passes to Bowlero, AMF, and Bowlmor lanes.

You will need to pay per game to compete in the tournaments. In addition to winning prizes for high scores, it's possible to earn prizes for being a frequent player.

The two game modes are blacklight lanes and the classic 10-pin game.

Why We Like Strike!

Virtual bowling
Win cash or free in-person bowling games
Blacklight lanes game mode

Learn more about Strike!

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. 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 Really Pay You?

There are several mobile game scams, but most game apps are free. 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.

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.