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With millions of people around the world spending lots of time on their smartphones, game apps have become a popular way to pass the time. With that in mind, it’s good to know you can earn real money in the form of cash deposits into your bank account, Amazon gift cards or money in your PayPal account just by playing. Though what you earn will vary, you might as well get something for the time you’re already spending.
29 Games and Apps That Pay Real Money
If you’re looking for the best games to win real money, there is no need to scroll through the app store as some of the best options are right here. If you enjoy playing and battling for the highest score against similarly skilled opponents, then look no further as your skills can help you get some quick cash. Take a look at 29 of the best apps and games that pay real money:
- Bubble Cash
- Mistplay
- 8 Ball Strike
- Swagbucks
- Rewarded Play
- Cash’em All
- Pool Payday
- AppStation
- InboxDollars
- Fruit Frenzy
- Solitaire Cash
- Solitaire for Cash
- Draft Kings Fantasy Football
- Blackout Bingo
- Block Blitz
- Strike! By Bowlero
- Wealth Words
- CashOut
- Bingo Cash
- 21 Blitz
- Bingo Win Cash
- Cashyy
- Brain Battle
- Bingo Clash
- QuickRewards
- Solitaire Cube
- Spades Blitz
- FanDuel Fantasy Sports
- CashPirate Buzz
1. Bubble Cash
Bubble Cash is downloadable for free from the Apple App Store. This game involves matching three bubbles of the same color until none remain, much like other bubble puzzle games. While the game itself is free, most cash competitions require an entry fee that can only be paid with real money, except for a few competitions that accept in-game gems.
Bubble-popping games tend to be fun, calming — and a bit addicting. If you’re going to spend time on your phone trying to pop brightly colored bubbles, you may as well earn cash while you’re doing it, right? Once you win a cash prize, you can redeem it through PayPal or Apple Pay.
Bubble Cash earned a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in the App Store and is rated No. 4 in Casino games. Reviewers call it “soothing and enjoyable,” although some noted that it’s difficult to win cash. To win money, you’ll want to pay to enter tournaments against other players.
2. Mistplay
Mistplay is a free app that enables users to earn rewards for playing games. Players collect “units” that can be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers like Amazon and Google Play. The app is free to join, and users can play their favorite games to accumulate points that can be redeemed for gift cards. The longer you play, the more units you can earn.
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3. 8 Ball Strike
If you’re a pool enthusiast seeking a new way to enjoy your favorite game, consider 8 Ball Strike. This game offers a unique way to play billiards or pool, and the skill-based rule system ensures that every match is fair and accurate.
Players compete and earn diamonds, which can be used to pay entry fees for higher-level games with cash prizes. Additionally, five- to 10-player matches are available for players who want to test their skills against others. The higher your rank, the greater your potential earnings for cash rewards and bonuses.
4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an app and website that rewards you for activities like playing games, searching the web, watching videos, taking polls and using coupons. Swagbucks provides a range of earning opportunities, so you aren’t limited to just playing games. You can cash out to PayPal when your winnings total at least $25. If you want your winnings on a gift card, you only need to accumulate $3 to cash out.
Many people think of Swagbucks as a shopping app that helps you earn cash back for purchases or for surfing the web. But you can also play games and earn. Best of all, the games are free to play and include everything from casino games and bingo to puzzles and card games. One thing to keep in mind is some games have deadlines to complete your milestones and earn so be sure you read the fine print carefully.
5. Rewarded Play
Rewarded Play is an Android-only app that provides gift cards from retailers like Amazon and Walmart for playing popular mobile games. To begin earning rewards, download the app, play games and choose your desired reward.
Once you’ve earned rewards, you should receive your gift cards within 48 hours.
6. Cash’em All
The Cash’em All app rewards users with gift cards and cash for playing games on their Android devices. The app offers a wide selection of games, each with a different coin payout that can be redeemed for rewards. You can earn extra rewards by referring your friends.
The app is free to download but is currently only available on Android devices.
7. Pool Payday
Pool Payday is a mobile app that offers a chance for players to earn money by competing with others at their skill level in a game of pool. Players accumulate Z coins they can use to enter tournaments with significant cash prizes. Some tournaments can possibly pay out more than $10,000.
To play, users must be 17 years or older and live in one of the 38 states where the game is legally available. You compete against other players in real-time to win cash or prizes. Like other Skillz games, withdrawals under $10 that exceed your total deposit amount incur a $1.50 fee. You can request a check if you prefer to cash in on your winnings.
8. AppStation
AppStation is an Android app that lets you earn money every minute you spend playing games, taking surveys or referring friends. When you accumulate $5 in earnings, you can cash out for gift cards or PayPal cash. It won’t make you rich, but the app may be a fun, easy way to earn a little extra money.
9. InboxDollars
InboxDollars offers various ways to earn cash rewards for activities you already do online. You can play arcade games, participate in surveys, watch videos and complete other simple tasks to earn cash. The website also features a network of games where you can compete against other players to win cash prizes.
The platform has a minimum cash-out of $15 for first-time users. From there, you can cash out every time you earn $10. With over $80 million in rewards paid out to members since 2000, InboxDollars may be a good option for earning money online and is available for Android, iOS or computers. You can earn PayPal deposits or gift cards.
Like Swagbucks, it’s a service where you share your referral code for cash, prizes, gift cards and other rewards. The company works with GSN Games to offer games of skill like Mahjong Solitaire and Outspell, where you can earn cash prizes.
10. Fruit Frenzy
You can play Fruit Frenzy on the Pocket7Games app by AviaGames. This game is best for mobile gamers who enjoy matching fruit. Your objective is to match fruit pieces together to clear the board as quickly as possible.
Players are matched by skill level to compete for prize pools ranging from $1 to $1,000.
11. Solitaire Cash
You might remember the 1990s when office workers passed the time by playing solitaire on Windows computers. Now, you can slack off on company time while earning extra cash with Papaya Gaming’s Solitaire Cash!
The game is free to download, but you can pay money to enter tournaments and win cash prizes. The game offers multiple versions of solitaire, so you’re sure to find one you love. Or you can go retro with the classic Klondike Solitaire and party — with your winnings — like it’s 1999.
12. Solitaire for Cash
Solitaire for Cash by Skillz gives users an opportunity to play a highly rated, free solitaire game for cash prizes. The app has 4.5 stars in the Google Play store and 4.7 for the iOS version in Apple’s App Store. Play for free or pay cash to compete in tournaments for big prizes.
You can win cash or prizes in the Rewards store. If you want a variety be aware that only the traditional, Klondike version of solitaire is available.
13. DraftKings Fantasy Football
Fantasy football is a draw for many people. DraftKings brings the experience to your mobile device with an opportunity to win cash prizes. Right now, the game developer — which also offers a Sportsbook, an online casino and other opportunities to win cash or NFTs — is offering a deposit bonus of up to $500.
You can play private games against your friends or compete for millions of dollars in prizes. Entry fees can range from a few dollars up to thousands. DraftKings offers big prizes and low entry fees and you can play on any device or platform.
14. Blackout Bingo
Blackout Bingo, available for Android or iOS devices, is free to play and delivers a choice of cash — through PayPal — or fun merch if you win. The Skillz version of this classic game plays just like regular bingo, with bonuses available for speed completion. You can pay to enter tournaments for larger cash prizes.
You can redeem rewards for prizes, gift cards or money. There is a $1.50 processing fee for withdrawals less than $10.
15. Block Blitz
If you like Tetris, you’ll spend hours wasting time playing Block Blitz. But the good news is you can earn cash while you’re stacking little colored blocks on your screen, so you’re not really wasting time at all!
This game from Skillz is available for Android or iOS, with an average 4.5 and 4.6 rating, respectively. The retro gaming fun brings back memories of Tetris and Mario and it’s free to play.
16. Strike! By Bowlero
If you like bowling — virtually or at your local lanes — you may love the opportunity to earn cash or rewards you can cash in at your local Bowlero, AMF or Bowlmor bowling alleys.
Available for both Android and iOS, the game garnered a 4.7-star rating in Apple’s App Store. Users like the easy, intuitive interface, realistic handling and the choice of blacklight or classic bowling to keep things interesting. It is played on the Skillz platform, and you can compete against players all over the world.
You can win cash or redeem rewards for prizes at local bowling alleys. However, keep in mind promo codes can only be applied for bonus money after you make a deposit into the game.
17. Wealth Words
Are you hooked on the New York Times daily Wordle game? Why not try earning cash through Wealth Words? Available on Android, iOS and computers, this cash game offers clues to help you solve word puzzles.
You can get paid between $1 and $5 to compete for cash prizes as the fastest to solve crossword puzzles and more. There is also a Wordle-type game, Wordoku and more. You can cash out through PayPal and the cash-out minimum is $20.
18. CashOut
CashOut is one of the most popular games that will pay you for completing tasks. It’s well-received by users and has excellent reviews. It is easy to use but be aware the payout can take one to two weeks once you request it.
The app version is only compatible with Android, but CashOut has an ever-changing task catalog and offers free coins for checking in daily. You can get paid via PayPal or gift cards.
19. Bingo Cash
You can download Bingo Cash for free on your iOS or Android device, and instantly start playing regular bingo games or even enter some higher-stakes cash tournaments to win real money and cash prizes. Join in with your own cash as a deposit to compete in the tournaments against other players. This is one of the best games to win real money as your potential cash winnings are much higher with this game in comparison to others.
20. 21 Blitz
21 Blitz is a mix of Blackjack and Solitaire. Users get the best of both worlds of solitude and high stakes with free practice matches and a time bonus if they finish the deck before the clock runs out. Though it’s not available in all states due to gambling laws, if you can play, 21 Blitz offers head-to-head matches against other players, different brackets and special events. This app pays directly to your PayPal account or credit card.
21. Bingo Win Cash
Bingo Win Cash may just be the perfect game app for you if you are a lover of the game and want that real cash bonus. You can play with friends or just participate in classic bingo or slot games for a chance to win cash prizes.
It’s simple, straightforward and fun. All you have to do is match the numbers on your card with the numbers called out. If you match the numbers, just sit back and collect your winnings.
22. Cashyy
This free GPT, or get-paid-to app, will deliver cash right to your PayPal account after you play games. There are multiple game options to get some free PayPal money. Essentially, when you play your preferred game style and complete missions, you earn points or coins that you then cash in for gift cards.
23. Brain Battle
- Get it here for Android and here for iOS
BrainBattle has no in-app purchases and pays out through PayPal, making it one of the best games that will pay you instantly. You also have a chance to win huge rewards in weekly contests.
The game is only accessible through an app but if you enjoy math challenges and educational games, BrainBattle is a great option. You can either get your cash via PayPal or opt to be entered into weekly prize drawings
24. Bingo Clash
Looking for games you can win real money with? Bingo Clash is a fast-paced, fun and free game where you can win real money. If you win enough games when you compete against other players, you will definitely start earning some cash or prizes. There are different modes and game style options that offer you the choice of how you play and also match you with opponents of the same skill level.
25. QuickRewards
Not only can you win money with QuickRewards but it also pays instantly to your Cash App account. It has paid out over $7 million to users, and the minimum redemption amount is only $0.01. You can earn cash by taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online or completing offers.
QuickRewards also offers payment options like in-store gift cards to almost 50 retailers and restaurants. Keep in mind that the reward for games is very low, making it an ineffective income method, but great for a little extra cash. QuickRewards has a wide variety of games like Trivia, Mahjong, Crosswords and Match-3 and has redemption options through PayPal and gift cards.
26. Solitaire Cube
If you are someone who enjoys playing the classic game of solitaire, you can win money by competing in skill-based matches. You are dealt the same deck as other players you’re competing against for fairness. The three highest-scoring players win. Solitaire Cube offers you the option for PayPal deposits and from there, you can easily transfer the money from your bank account, to Cash App or your preferred payment method.
However, cash tournaments are not available in all states, so be sure you read the fine print before signing up.
27. Spades Blitz
The competitive game of Spades can now be played for some quick extra income. Spades Blitz is a free app available to both iOS and Android users where you can compete with other players of similar skill levels. If you hone your skills and improve you can level up to cash tournaments.
Be aware that while it is free to download, you must maintain a cash balance and pay an entry fee for certain tournaments to be eligible for the prize money or the cash prize sweepstakes.
28. FanDuel Fantasy Sports
Fantasy Football is one of the most popular pastimes every fall. If you are a sports betting fan, you should definitely consider FanDuel Sports. It’s a betting site where you can buy in on sports bets and win money. Though it’s always a gamble, FanDuel also offers you bonus bets. These bonuses will be added to your account automatically or you can opt into the promotions to get them.
Though it doesn’t have shared wallet options, it can be a good way to earn some real money in an arena you already enjoy.
29. CashPirate Buzz
CashPirate Buzz pays you for playing a variety of games. Users can also earn by completing simple tasks or taking interesting quizzes. However, be aware that it’s not compatible with iOS, and many negative reviews mention ads that might cause problems during gameplay.
Winning Real Money Based on the Real World
Many of the highest-paying gaming apps are modeled after real-world games or cash tournaments, such as bingo, solitaire or pool. If you’re skilled in a certain card game, you might find competitive app versions that allow you to play much as you would at a traditional betting table.
However, some of these games often have a buy-in that you put on your credit card. If you’re on a losing streak, it’s not exactly free money. Other, simpler games may have smaller payouts, but there’s less risk involved, too. Below is a breakdown of some of the more popular options from this list.
| Game | Genre | Payout Type |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Cash | Card | PayPal |
| Solitaire for Cash | Card | PayPal or Skillz Rewards Store |
| Bubble Cash | Bubble Popping | PayPal |
| DraftKings Fantasy Football | Fantasy Football | Bank account, PayPal or check |
| Blackout Bingo | Casino | PayPal |
| Block Blitz | Tetris | PayPal or Skillz Rewards Store |
| Strike! By Bowlero | Bowling | Cash in at Bowlero, AMF or Bowlmor bowling alleys |
| Pool Payday | Pool | Card, PayPal or check |
| Swagbucks | Various | PayPal |
| InboxDollars | Various | PayPal, prepaid Visa or gift card |
| Wealth Words | Word Puzzle | PayPal |
Final Take To GO
Always research the app you’re considering playing to check whether other users complain about not receiving payouts. Some app providers can be unreliable, so while playing games for a possible payout can be fun, don’t count your money before you’ve received it.
If you’re trying to make ends meet, bolster your emergency savings or avoid using your credit cards to pay for extras, taking on a part-time gig is one solution. It is good to know there are also other ways to earn $1,000 in a week.
FAQ
- Are there any games that actually pay real money?
- Yes, many online games are modeled after real-world games and pay real money. In fact, some of the highest-paying gaming apps are similar to bingo, solitaire or pool. If you’re skilled in a certain card game, you might find competitive app versions that allow you to play much as you would at a traditional betting table.
- Yes, there are many legitimate games you can play to win money. Whether you prefer solo play or like to compete, you can typically get your winnings deposited into your account through PayPal or in the form of a gift card. The following are some of the best examples of games or apps where you can win real money:
- Bubble Cash
- Mistplay
- 8 Ball Strike
- Swagbucks
- Rewarded Play
- Cash’em All
- Pool Payday
- AppStation
- InboxDollars
- Fruit Frenzy
- Solitaire Cash
- Solitaire for Cash
- Draft Kings Fantasy Football
- Blackout Bingo
- Block Blitz
- Strike! By Bowlero
- Wealth Words
- CashOut
- Bingo Cash
- 21 Blitz
- Bingo Win Cash
- Cashyy
- Brain Battle
- Bingo Clash
- QuickRewards
- Solitaire Cube
- Spades Blitz
- FanDuel Fantasy Sports
- CashPirate Buzz
- Many games not only pay you instantly but can also deposit money straight into your bank account, PayPal or Cash App account. If you have been looking for games where you can win money and get paid instantly, look no further as the following are some great examples:
- Blackout Bingo
- Bingo Cash
- Solitaire Cube
- Yes, there are many bingo games that you can play to win real money such as Blackout Bingo, Bingo Cash, Bingo Mania, Bingo Clash, Cashyy or Bingo Win Cash.
- To win the Bingo Cash game you simply need to earn more points than your opponent. You do so by matching the numbers five in a row. You and the person you are playing against are given the same bingo balls and cards throughout your game. Every time you match numbers or get a bingo you get points.
Cynthia Measom, Dawn Allcot and Chris Ozarowski contributed to the reporting for this article.
Information is accurate as of Aug. 7, 2024, and is subject to change.