This is a sponsored article with Swagbucks. All opinions are 100% our own.
You can play games that are fun and earn yourself some extra cash rather than spending it!
Did you know there are games that pay real money to play? If you’re like us, you want to make extra money doing what you enjoy!
Today we are going to tell you how to make your gaming hobby into a money-making opportunity!
If you have a smartphone, chances are you’ve played at least one game on it. Games are becoming more and more popular with people of all ages.
Most games on your phone are free to play and pay tokens or points, but there are a number of games out there where it’s possible to win real money by playing when you can.
Whether you’re looking for a way to earn cash rewards or just have fun challenging yourself, this article will provide you with information about the different gaming apps that pay real money and rewards!
Start sharing your opinion, earn points, and cash them out for free gift cards or cash today. Claim your FREE $10 sign-up bonus now!
Quick Picks: Make Real Cash Quicker!
It’s always great to have so many options for games that pay you real cash, but I know some of you want to know the best and the brightest!
I’ve played so many games, and I love to win cash quick and easy, so here are my favorite game apps and side hustles:
- Best Overall Gaming App – Swagbucks
- Survey App With Best Payouts – Survey Junkie
- Most Games Offered – KashKick
- Most Real Money Potential – YouTube Channel
Apps With Games That Pay Real Money
Most of these apps don’t require paying an entry fee to participate and win real money. It’s like you get free money for playing game apps!
Let’s talk about best survey sites and more to get real cash ASAP:
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of our favorite game apps that offers rewards for gaming and completing online tasks.
It is one of the world’s largest free rewards programs that allow regular people to get paid for doing things they do every day.
When you use the Swagbucks app, you can win cash prizes for daily tasks like playing games, shopping, and more.
You can play free games online and then cash out your points for a Paypal card or gift card.
If you love trivia, then you will love Swagbucks Live, a live trivia show on the app where you can win cash in the form of Swagbucks.
Swagbucks Live is played nightly, Monday through Thursday, and in the afternoon on Friday.
Since it’s free to join Swagbucks and you don’t have to provide a credit card number, you might as well give it a try and make some real money.
To learn how to maximize your Swagbucks earnings, read about Swagbucks hacks.
2. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a free app that you can join to earn money online by playing free games.
You can win cash rewards for taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, testing products, and more!
It pays you in points that can be redeemed for music downloads, cash via PayPal, Google Play free gift cards, new games, sweepstakes tickets, or charitable donations.
You may have to take a few surveys before getting paid, but it’s very easy and straightforward to use.
Survey Junkie also offers the choice of being paid by check, but PayPal is their quick and easy option.
3. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is another gaming app that pays you real cash rewards and gift cards for playing online games.
Plus it gives you $5 just for signing up, so it’s definitely worth trying out!
InboxDollars pays you to play games, watch videos, take surveys, use coupons, shop online, and even read emails. Each task that you complete will be worth a certain amount of points.
Points can be redeemed for real money, paid via PayPal to your email address, paid via check to the mailing address on your account, paid via or gift cards for stores like Amazon and Walmart, or even donated to charity.
4. MyPoints
MyPoints is another great app that offers free games where you can win real money.
As a MyPoints member, you get rewarded when you complete various tasks such as playing games, watching videos, taking surveys, and shopping online.
Every task you complete is worth a certain number of points, which you use to win real money! Once your points total reaches a certain amount, you can redeem your MyPoints for gift cards or products like Visa Prepaid Cards or PayPal deposits.
MyPoints can also be exchanged for gift cards or merchandise like electronics, online stores, entertainment, travel, and more.
5. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel is an app that allows you to complete surveys and receive points that you can use to get free gift cards from over 500 brands.
You can download the PrizeRebel app to your Apple or Android device and complete surveys, watch videos, take quizzes, play phone games to win points, fill out forms, and shop online.
Then those points can be real cash prizes or cards when you redeem them!
Some of the top PrizeRebel rewards are PayPal money, Roblox gift cards, Amazon gift cards, and Google Play Store gift cards.
Using PrizeRebel varies from task to task. For example, some tasks are worth 5 points while others are worth more. The more tasks you complete, the more prizes you earn!
6. Mistplay
Mistplay started in 2017 as a game app that is exclusive to Android and can be found in the Google Play Store.
To earn units (for real cash prizes!), just download Mistplay and play mobile games on it! You can even see what your friends are playing and chat with them or compete with them in the app.
Mistplay does not offer Paypal as one of their ways to win cash prizes for a game. Units that you earn playing games can be cashed out for Amazon gift cards, Visa Gift Cards, and more.
7. Gamehag
Gamehag is one of the online paid-to-play games that you can play on the computer, the iOS platform, or the Android platform.
After you reach a certain level in the game, you can start earning rewards. Players in the VIP section of the game can earn perks and points not available to standard players.
Another way players can earn points is by answering surveys and signing up for offers.
You can redeem points for Steam Wallet credits at $1.99 or there are other options available for redeeming points, like digital game codes, Roblox Robux money, restaurant gift cards, retail gift cards, and Prepaid Mastercard.
8. Bananatic
Bananatic is another “get paid to play” game platform where you can play free games and get great cash prizes.
Most of them are for iOS and Android, but there are a few gaming opportunities for Windows games too.
The goal in Bananatic is to complete tasks and earn bananas, aka points. There are several ways to earn bananas, including completing sponsor tasks, writing a game review, and recording videos of gameplay.
The minimum to cash out is $5, and you can cash out for Paypal cash, gift cards, prepaid cards, and more.
9. Jackpocket
Jackpocket is a lottery app. Yes…a real lottery app! This also means this is a pay-to-play game rather than a free online game.
It’s only available to people in the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, D.C.
For this gaming app, you fund your Jackpocket account with whatever money you want to use for lotto games.
Then use your account to buy an actual lottery ticket for one of the following lotteries: MegaMillions, PowerBall, the available state lottery, and even scratch-offs in some states.
You can pick your own numbers or get a lottery ticket with a Quick Pick.
If you have a ticket with up to $600 in winnings, the winnings will be deposited to your Jackpocket account or to a bank account linked to your account.
For tickets with winning over $600, Jackpocket will send you the ticket and you will need to take it to the State Lottery office to redeem and pay taxes on.
10. Boodle
Boodle is a fun way to earn cash from free games and get rewarded by using your Android device.
Like other game apps, you play and complete game offers and tasks such as trying new games.
Another way you can earn points is by signing up for monthly subscriptions for services that you may use. Refer family and friends to earn even more points!
Boodle pays out via Visa gift cards and other gift cards such as Amazon. Redemption values start as low as $2.
11. Pool Payday
Play pool online for real money on your phone or tablet with this app that is powered by Skillz.
Pool Payday is compatible with Android and iOS, and free to download- but like some other apps, you may have to pay for boosts or to play longer.
You can cash out Pool Payday for cash through PayPal, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets!
12. Blackout Bingo
Blackout Bingo is a free app that is available for iOS and Android. It doesn’t take very long to play each round of Bingo – just about two minutes.
It is free to play on the Blackout Bingo app and you play like regular Bingo, except it doesn’t require you to purchase tickets or cards at all.
You compete against other people in cash tournaments- though not all states allow cash tournaments, so be sure to check the app before you download it.
Like classic bingo, you need to cross out the numbers on your card faster than others. Be the first person to get “Bingo” and you win the prize.
You can also earn boosts to use to gain an advantage over other players by claiming squares before the number is called.
You can cash out real money from Blackout Bingo on your PayPal card or redeem your points for other merchandise.
13. Solitaire Cube
Is Solitaire your game? Download Solitaire Cube and start winning money on it!
Solitaire Cube is powered by Skillz (who creates many grat game apps!) and is available on both iOS and Android. The games on Solitaire Cube play fast and only take a few minutes to play.
Earn points by sending cards to the foundation and uncovering cards. The games have a time limit and you get points for finishing quicker.
In order to win real money by playing Solitaire Cube, you will need to make a deposit and play in the Pro League (where allowed by law).
You can play in cash tournaments or against other individuals. Tournament entry fees start as low as $1 and can go into the $1,000s.
14. Drop
Drop is an app where you can play arcade games, casino games, or even game show games. You use Drop to win points and rewards on Google Play Store or the iTunes App store.
The games have a required task. Complete the required task and earn points to use to cash out for free gift cards.
It can take some time to earn with Drop because of the 5,000 points weekly cap which equals $5 per week. Also, cashing out to PayPal is not an option with Drop.
15. Lucktastic
Every scratch-off can win real money on Lucktastic.
It is 100% free to download this Android app and also free to play. The cash games that are offered on Lucktastic are actually like the cash games that you see in the convenience store.
Lucktastic is easy to play. Just pick one, scratch one or more cards, and see if you won anything.
The minimum to withdraw your winnings is $1 and you can win real cash prizes, gift cards, and more! Plus you can enter sweepstakes and contests for even more opportunities to win real money!
16. Toluna
Toluna is a survey site available on Google Play and the App Store. On Toluna, you can take surveys on a variety of topics, including games.
Each survey is assigned a different point value, and you simply complete the survey and earn the points. You can also play games to win real money, whatever you want to do to earn cash!
You can cash out your points for a gift card or cash redemption. There are only a few gift cards that have a $10 balance and you need a $30 balance before they deposit money into your PayPal account.
17. Dominoes Gold
Dominoes Gold is a free app powered by Skillz, available in the Android and iOS app store, and allows users to play games and win cash and gift cards.
When you first start playing the platform, you challenge an opponent and play an identical game against the computer.
The person who defeats the computer with a higher score wins the real prizes!
Once you get the hang of it, you can take it to the next level and play in daily live domino tournaments.
You can enter cash tournaments daily that pay real money in PayPal cash. You can also cash out in gift cards.
18. Flash Rewards
Flash Rewards is an app that is available on Android. With Flash Rewards, you can download and play free games on your phone and complete partner-sponsored offers to claim rewards.
You can redeem the rewards for a gift card or cash prizes on a Visa prepaid card.
19. 21Blitz
21Blitz is an app game that mixes Solitaire and 21. You can play completely free against real people in head-to-head competition or in a tournament.
You can play for fun and win the game’s virtual currency. One thing, though, prize and cash tournaments are not available in all states, so check where you live to see if you can enter.
When you are ready to play for real money, you can deposit money and enter a tournament. Payouts are made using the same method you use for the deposit, either by credit card or your PayPal account.
20. Skillz
Skillz offers some of the best game apps to win real cash. You can play free games on both iOS and Android phones.
It is a mobile eSports platform that turns casual mobile games into competitive eSports tournament games for real money.
Players play for real money in the form of cash prizes in addition to virtual currency, gift card rewards, donations to charity, and special discounts.
The games on Skillz are fast and only take a few minutes to play. It’s not uncommon for tournaments or games to be one minute long or less!
21. PCH Games
PCH, or as you may know, Publishers Clearing House, the guys who come to your house with flowers and balloons, oh, and a suitcase full of money.
Well, now they want you to play on your iPhone or Android device for a chance to win so that someday they can pay you some real moolah!
In case you don’t know what PCH is, it’s a sweepstakes company that runs multiple drawings for cash prizes, including cars, cash, trips, home improvement items, and more.
It also offers smaller cash prizes like gift cards to lots of stores and restaurants. They used to send out the sweepstakes entry only in the mail for your chance to win.
22. Wealth Words
Do you love playing word games? If so, you will love Wealth Words.
Wealth Words is a pay-to-play word app that’s available on computers, iOS, and Android devices.
You earn real money by solving easy crossword puzzles online! There is a charge of between 50 cents and one dollar for entering a contest.
The minimum cashout is $20 through your PayPal account.
23. Second Life
Second Life is a virtual RPG world in which you can create a character and interact with other people in the game and earn money.
You can sorta win real money- it all comes in the form of Linden dollars, which is the currency used in Second Life. Rather than spending your own money on in-game purchases.
In addition to earning money from your avatar’s business ventures, you can also earn money for completing jobs or tasks other people request.
24. Bingo Cash
If you liked Blackout Bingo and want other game apps to play bingo, you’d also like Bingo Cash.
You’ll be playing one-on-one rather than with a group of people, making it more likely that you’ll win money- 50-50 odds are better!
You dab out the numbers on your Bingo Cash board the quickest for bingo, then cash out when you reach the end first!.
You also get boosts to help fill up your board quicker than your opponent.
You can play Bingo Cash for completely free if you’re not interested in cash prizes, or wager cash on your board and rack in the winnings.
25. Solitaire Cash
Solitaire Cash is another fun solitaire game we found in our research, similar to Bingo Cash, where you compete with one person who plays similarly to you.
You can play free practice rounds in Solitaire Cash to develop your skills and make new solitaire strategies, which you can then use in the wager games to win cash.
Solitaire Cash also has classic solitaire and some other versions, so you have a variety of fun to play!
26. Long Game
Long Game is an app that gives you coins every time you put money into your savings. Then you can use those coins to play mobile games.
You can create a goal, estimate how much money you want to save, and start setting aside money.
The payouts can be $100+, which will help your savings grow quicker.
The app is free for the first 30 days, and then it’s $3/month afterward, but that fee is waived when your savings account is hooked up.
27. Cointiply
Cointiply is another get-paid-to site where you can do a bunch of tasks to earn extra cash.
The difference is that the points you earn can be exchanged for Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
You can play on game apps, answer surveys, watch videos, and more to earn reward points.
28. GamerMine
GamerMine is a newer site where you can earn cash prizes or in-game items.
You earn gold in the app by completing tasks like mini-games, surveys, and other micro-tasks.
You can play real-time games, earn bonuses on the leaderboard, and then cash out your gold in PayPal cash, Bitcoin, Steam gift cards, and more.
29. WorldWinner
WorldWinner offers cash tournaments in multiple types of games, including word games, strategy games, and casino games. Plenty of games that play real cash!
You can practice the games for free and then pay an entry fee for the tournaments. The fees are as low as $0.25, and the winnings are up to $500,000 per day.
30. QuickRewards
QuickRewards is another easy website to join and earn rewards. Just like Swagbucks, you can get rewards for playing games, answering surveys, and more.
I can usually get $8 per survey, which is a bit higher than the payout for games, but the games still pay a few bucks.
You can cash out quickly, with as little as 100 points ($0.01), and rewards include easy PayPal cash!
31. Repeat
Repeat is another site offering cash tournaments where you can win money based on your performance.
You play on your own time, create some stats, and then Repeat compares your stats to others to see if you win.
You can also join as many cash tournaments as you want, and you don’t have any fees to play, so the check or PayPal cash is all free income!
32. Dabbl
Dabbl is the best game app if you’re interested in trivia games! Not only that, but you can play bingo, puzzles, and arcade games.
You can play in tournaments and challenges to earn rewards, and you can cash out for Payal money as soon as you earn $5.
33. TreasureTrooper
TreasureTrooper is cool because you can get free offers, take surveys, play games, and even has interesting treasure maps to navigate for fun.
Payouts range from $0.50 – $50, depending on the tasks you do, but you can request a check or PayPal payout once you’ve earned $20.
34. Gamesville
Gamesville has been offering paid gaming since 1996, and though it all started out with bingo, they have a lot more going on now.
Most games are played for rewards, but cash tournaments are where the real cash is at!
Stream Games Online For Cash
You can do more than find games that pay real money- you can get paid to play games you already own and enjoy!
There are several different ways to make money by playing games online.
With streaming sites like YouTube and Twitch, the internet’s favorite pastime is watching other people play games. People will watch and you get money for views and through ads!
You can get sponsorship money, too, by setting up an account on Patreon. People may also give you gaming merchandise and pay you to review their games.
Here are some unique ways people are playing games and earning money.
35. Stream YouTube Videos
If you have enough personality and charisma, being a streamer could be your ticket to making money as a gamer!
Not only has YouTube has become one of the most popular video streaming websites on the internet but it has become a popular live streaming site for gamers.
Gamers are paid to play games live on their channels, but there are also freelance streamers who simply record games and upload them to YouTube.
If you’re good at any game, it could be your ticket to a daily income stream! There are tons of ways you can make money on YouTube, like from ads, sponsorships, or your own store with your website.
Want to learn how to make more money every month making YouTube videos? Take the Mastering YouTube course and learn how to make videos like a pro and get more views on your work!
36. Stream Games On Twitch
Twitch is a video game streaming site that allows players to live stream themselves playing games and showing off their skills to the world.
Gamers can make money off of their videos by monetizing them with ads, allowing for sponsorships, or even selling merchandise.
Many gamers are able to earn money by simply asking for donations. You can share your PayPal information and ask viewers to show support through monetary contributions.
Twitch also offers a partnership program in which players can earn money from subscriptions on their streams. If you have the skills, chances are someone will be willing to pay you to watch you show them off!
37. Tutorials
YouTube is the most popular platform for watching videos, so it’s no surprise that some people upload tutorials of games.
Even though streaming sites are probably more popular now than they’ve ever been, this type of video has been around since the beginning of YouTube- there were even Minecraft tutorial channels back in 2010!
The popularity of these videos is increasing as more and more people are getting into streaming. If you’re good at the game, have played it for a long time, know all the tricks, and can teach others how to play, you could probably earn money from uploading tutorials on YouTube.
38. Game Coach
Do you have what it takes to help someone else learn how to play well and win? If so, you can earn money online by teaching people how to play so they can win their games and climb the ranks.
Video game coaches help players with their strategy and tactics as they play. As a coach, you’ll watch your student play the game while talking them through their strategy.
The more effective your coaching is, the more satisfied the player will be with your services. This means you’ll probably get a good review and recommendation from the player or even get a repeat customer!
39. Blind Reactions
Have you ever played a game and thought, “Oh my god, this seems so easy!” or “That was awesome! I can’t wait to tell my friends about it!”?
You probably have a million opinions on a wide variety of games, and you might be able to earn fast money by sharing those opinions.
You might be just what game companies are looking for to offer funny reactions to new games.
This is probably one of the most unique ways to play and earn money. Players react to a game without actually playing it- they may even watch a video or look at screenshots from other players, then offer their thoughts on the game as if they were playing it themselves.
40. Speed Runs
Do you have what it takes to beat your favorite game’s time?
This is one of the most popular ways people earn cash playing games online. Streamers on Twitch and YouTube can earn thousands of dollars in advertising revenue for their high-level play.
Speed Runs are videos of someone playing games online as fast as possible. Some people sequence break games without using exploits, glitches, or cheats. Others use speed running to show off just how quickly they can complete a game.
Some gamers even combine speed running with another service like coaching or tutorials- if you’re particularly good at any game, you could teach others how to beat it faster.
41. Video Game Reviews
We’ve all watched videos or read blogs to learn about a game before we buy it! You could be the person we rely on for an honest game review!
There are people who post or upload reviews of games, whether it’s a walkthrough, full-blown game start to finish, or just their first impressions of the game.
If you can create accurate and engaging reviews, you could make money from them on a gaming blog or on a YouTube channel.
42. Professional Gamer
If you’re really good and want to go pro in gaming, you can enter video game tournaments and win money, too!
Professional gamers are able to make upwards of $100,000 playing a game. Some even participate in international competitions for prizes of up to six figures.
You may even be asked to join a team or get sponsors for yourself to earn more money, or get free gaming merch or equipment.
Other Ways To Play Games For Money
Even if the game apps that pay real money that we’ve listed aren’t your jam, there are other ways for gamers to earn money online!
If you’re really good at any games and want to share your knowledge with others, there are several ways you could monetize this.
43. Blog About Games
Even if you’re not a professional gamer, you can still earn money from your gaming skills. For example, you can write about your experiences with different pay you to play games.
Just start a blog or a website about the latest online games and share all of your opinions on them with others! Here are some things you could write about:
- Game apps that pay real money when you win
- Rviews of the best game apps that pay you to play in cash tournaments
- Interview people in the game industry
- The latest news and trends in the gaming world
- How to make money playing games
You could even build up enough traffic and start selling advertisements on your site.
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44. Game Tournaments/Competitions
Another option to make money by playing games is to play in cash tournaments. Not only do gamers earn real money, but they also get tons of free swag and prizes.
Some of these tournaments can be local, while others may be going on around the world, but many are pay-to-enter.
To win a larger tournament, you’ll need a lot of skill and a little bit of luck to play and win! The top players are usually able to earn a pretty penny if they win!
Gamers with the most exceptional skills, or who have achieved a high ranking on one game, can apply to compete in international competitions.
45. Sell Old Game Accounts
If you have accounts with popular online games, like World of Warcraft, Runescape, or even older games that are still active, but you’ve quit playing them, there are sites where you can sell these accounts.
You could also trade your account(s) for ones that other people have to offer! If someone wants to play a game you have, you can just trade accounts and be on your way!
46. Test New Games
There are several companies that hire people to play games and offer feedback. The official term for this is “QA Tester” which stands for Quality Assurance Tester.
You’ll play the game as you normally would, but there may be specific criteria you need to meet for these companies (like playing a certain level or beating a boss).
Basically, your job as a QA Tester is to cause the game to break. You tell the company what you did that caused the game to crash or glitch, and then they find a way to patch it.
47. Game Designer
If you have a knack for making games or even interesting stories, you may want to put your skills to good use. Game designers are responsible for creating the games themselves!
They work with artists, musicians, and writers to come up with the storyline and design levels.
This is an extremely competitive field that requires extensive schooling or experience in programming or game design.
48. Make Gamer Merchandise
No matter what game you’re playing, there are probably people who want to show their love for it by wearing merchandising with the characters on it.
There are several companies that create gamer gear like t-shirts, hats, bags, posters, mugs, etc. You can sell these items yourself using sites like Etsy or on your own website.50. Make Gamer Gear
If you’re not the creative type who can make merchandising, that’s okay! There are several other ways you could use your gaming to make real cash.
For example, there are companies and individuals who will pay other gamers to design them custom controllers or other gamer accessories.
You’ll need to have a knack for coming up with creative concepts. You could also sell your own custom-made products on Amazon!
Make Money With Gamer Culture
Now playing games through apps and streaming games to viewers aren’t the only ways to make money in the gaming community.
If you’re into games like I am, I’m sure you have go-to gear, some favorite equipment, or even some games that you hold near and dear to your heart.
Read on to find out how those interests and fan favorites can make money in easy ways:
49. Become A Gaming Influencer
Being an influencer means sharing videos and pics of yourself playing games and overall being personable.
Whereas people streaming on Twitch or YouTube focus on the gaming aspect the most, influencers may focus on other social media platforms and try to connect more about games.
I would say, from my experience, that most people who become popular aren’t 100% the best at the games they like- it’s about them giving things a shot but also being like a friend to their viewers.
You could do well with this starting out on YouTube or Twitch posting videos, or you can get on TikTok since the platform has blown up so much for influencers.
50. Sell Gamer Gear
Affiliate marketing is our bread and butter, and we learned from the best!
Affiliate marketing means you have things you like to use and promote them for extra money.
For example, if you have a favorite set of headphones, you can join the Amazon affiliate program and get a custom link to share with people.
You’ll need social media accounts or possibly a blog to promote your affiliate gear, but make sure you actually use and give realistic feedback on the products.
It comes off as not being genuine or honest with followers if you don’t actually use products, and then your links won’t earn any commissions.
51. Sell T-Shirts
You don’t actually have to be a gamer to make money designing t-shirts. You could earn a good income selling all sorts of shirts, but in the gaming community, people love interesting prints and wearing nerdy stuff.
My cousin is a guaranteed customer for Zelda shirts, and I have friends that want every Mario shirt they see. There are thousands of games across the world, and you could design shirts for any that you like or the most popular ones.
You can use programs like Canva or Photoshop to design shirts, or you can actually commission someone on Fiverr to design something for you.
Then you can get the shirts created through CustomInk and create an Etsy shop to sell to millions of people!
Key Takeaways
Gaming is a popular pastime for many people, and it’s not just the kids who are playing these days!
Many people play games on their phone apps for hours at a time, and might not realize that there are ways to make real money playing games too!
We’ve played so many games that pay real money, and have made hundreds in PayPal money, gift cards, and other great rewards.
Swagbucks has been our go-to, but testing things out on this list has broadened our horizons! And we hope you get to reap the cash benefits too.
Gamers can make money not only with their gaming skills but also by making gaming merchandise or working on game design themselves.
We hope this article has been helpful in understanding how people can make money playing games!
