Legit Games That Pay Real Money: A Comprehensive Guide

You might be surprised to hear that you can earn money by playing games. It’s a way to have fun and potentially bring in some extra cash. And there are a number of games that pay real money.

But playing games for money comes with caveats. For example, game apps may harvest players’ data, and some are competitions that require an entry fee before you can play for the opportunity to win a cash prize. It’s also important to know which games are legitimate and which might be scams.

Read on to learn more about online games that pay real cash, the pros and cons of these games, and what to consider before you start playing.

Can You Really Make Money Playing Games on Your Phone?

You really can earn money playing games on your phone, depending on the game. This is one possible strategy some individuals may want to consider to make money with no job.

Generally speaking, there are two types of games that pay money. The first is free game apps that allow users to earn points or gift cards simply by playing. But the earnings tend to be small — around $5 to $50 a month.

The second type of games that pay money are skill-based competitions that require an entry fee before players can compete for the opportunity to win a cash prize. The prize might be over $100 in some instances, which is the kind of sum an individual might want to deposit into a high-yield savings account. But you can lose the money you pay to enter these games if you don’t win the competition.

The money these games pay out is typically quite small — or what some might think of as “fun money.” If you’re looking to earn more, you may want to consider a side hustle with a decent hourly fee such as pet sitting or tutoring. You generally also need to reach a certain minimum “cash-out threshold” for many of the games before you can get your earnings.

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Types of Game Apps That Pay Real Money

Some of the game apps that pay real money consist of reward-based apps like Mistplay, Swagbucks, and Freecash. These apps may make a profit from advertising and new user fees and then share a little of that money, which may be given as points or gift cards, with players.

The other type of game apps that pay money are skill-based competitions, like Solitaire Cash and Bingo Cash. To play, participants pay an entry fee for the chance to compete for cash prizes.

Here’s a look at some of the different game apps that pay real money.

Bingo and Solitaire Games

Two popular game apps are bingo and solitaire. Bingo games that pay money include Bingo Cash, Bingo Bling, and Blackout Bingo. These are all skill-based competitions that require users to pay entry fees to play.

Solitaire is another skill-based game category with entry fees. Popular versions of the game include Solitaire Cash, Solitaire Smash, and Solitaire Clash.

Match-3 and Puzzle Games

Many of these games are skill-based competitions that also offer free rounds of play. Some popular versions include Bubble Cash in which you pop bubbles, Cookie Cash, in which you match cookies, and Bubble Cube 2, another bubble-popping game. But there are also other games, such as Match to Win and Lucky Match, that give out tokens that are redeemable for cash or gift cards.

Arcade and Skill-Based Games

Arcade and skill-based games include 21 Blitz, which is essentially a blend of blackjack and solitaire, and 8 Ball Strike, which simulates billiards. The games in this category offer free matches as well as tournaments that players pay a fee to enter. They also typically offer free practice modes, so users can try them out before risking their money.

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Popular Games Online That Pay Real Cash

For those looking to make money by playing games online, there are a number of other options. Here are a few other popular choices.

•   KashKick: This rewards platform offers cash to players who play mobile games, take surveys, and shop online, among other things.

•   Freecash: Pays players to do things like review game offers and complete surveys.

•   TesterUp: Players can test games and take surveys in return for payment.

How to Spot Legit Games vs. Scams

While there are legitimate games that pay money for playing, there are also scams out there. Scams involving gaming apps may include games that are designed to keep players from reaching the minimum payment level and those that claim “guaranteed earnings.”

To help protect yourself, do research before using any game app. Look for games with recent user reviews and read them to look for red flags such as negative reviews or reviews that are suspiciously positive (aka seemingly too good to be true).

Also, read the payment terms — most legitimate cash-paying games will post their payment terms clearly. Check their privacy policy while you’re at it to see how they handle your data.

Additionally, make sure that the game app is from a verified developer, which should be listed. If it’s a competition game, it should offer a free practice mode so you can try it out before paying an entry fee.

To avoid sharing your bank account information, look for game apps that send payments in the form of gift cards or via PayPal so that money may be sent to you electronically and you can then deposit it in your checking account. It’s also important to make sure that the app’s monetary payouts for cash tournaments are legal where you live, as laws vary from state to state.

As a general rule, it’s wise to avoid games that have no app store listing, those that come with claims of guaranteed earnings, or games in which winning seems almost too easy.

Other things to watch out for include payment terms and methods that are vague, high upfront fees, and excessive requests for personal data.

Pros and Cons of Pay-To-Play Game Apps

When deciding whether or not to play games for money, it’s wise to weigh the pros and cons to help determine if it makes sense for you. Here are some of the potential benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Pros:

•   The games are generally easy to play — all that’s needed is a phone and a data connection. Typically, no special knowledge or ability is required.

•   Some game apps let you cash out after earning as little as $1 if you choose to.

•   You may be able to use games to potentially monetize your downtime, such as during your commute, on your lunch hour, or while you’re watching TV.

•   It could be a fun way to earn a little extra money to add to your digital wallet for your next coffee run.

Cons:

•   These games typically have a low overall earning potential, with some users reporting making just $10 to $25 per month.

•   The hourly wage on game apps generally averages out to between $0.10 and $0.80 per hour, according to some estimates.

•   The cash-out minimums to get your earnings may be high.

•   If your phone’s app-tracking software fails, you could lose hours of gaming with no compensation.

•   Gaming apps may come with broad permissions to track, and even sell, your data.

Alternative Ways to Make Extra Cash

If you’re looking for ways to make money, you may want to consider getting a second job. You might also think about starting a side gig for nights and weekends to bring in some extra cash.

Additional methods of making extra cash to put in your bank account might include:

Selling unused items online: There are many different places to sell stuff you no longer need or want, such as electronics, sports equipment, housewares, and clothing.

Become a rideshare driver: If you have a car, you could drive in your free time for a company like Uber or Lyft.

Delivering food: You might deliver food orders through companies like DoorDash or UberEats, or shop for and deliver groceries through a service like Instacart.

Teaching others a skill: If you can play a musical instrument, paint landscapes, or speak another language, you may be able to teach your talent to others through a class at a local community center or school.

The Takeaway

It’s possible to earn money playing game apps on your phone. While the amount you make typically won’t be much, playing games might be a fun way to earn a few extra dollars in your spare time. You could put any cash you earn toward discretionary spending, like lunch out with friends, or deposit it in your bank account to help build your savings. Just be sure to do research on game apps before you use them to make sure they are legitimate and that you’re comfortable with their terms.

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FAQ

Do games that pay real money actually work?

Some of the games that pay real money do work. For example, games may pay simply for playing or testing games. Others might be skill-based competitions that require players to pay an entry fee for a chance to win a cash prize (you can lose your money if you don’t win). But not all game apps may deliver what they promise, and some may require you to disclose personal information. Do thorough research on any game before you play it.

How much money can you earn playing games?

The amount you can earn playing games varies depending on the gaming app used and how much time a player devotes to them. Many players report earning no more than $50 a month.

Are there any fees to play these games?

Some games are competitions or tournaments and charge upfront entry fees. That means if you don’t win, you lose your money. Other games are free to play. It’s wise to find out if a game charges fees before you play or download it.

How do you get paid from gaming apps?

Each gaming app is different. Some pay in gift cards, others pay in cash sent to you electronically, such as via PayPal. Check the payment details of any game app you’re considering to make sure you’re comfortable with the payment method and the minimum amount you may need to reach to cash out your earnings. The game’s payment information should be clearly posted — if it’s not, that’s generally a red flag.

Is it safe to link your bank account to game apps?

The safest option may be to choose games that offer payments electronically, such as via PayPal, or through gift cards so that you don’t have to share your bank account information or link your account.

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Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

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