20 Best Games That Pay Real Money for Playing

Check out the best game apps to win real money. These apps really pay you for playing games on your iOS or Android phone.

Games to Win Real Money

 
Our Pick for Best Game App to Win Real Money
 
4.5
5.0
4.5
  • Free practice rounds
  • Low cash entry fees
  • Play multiple matches per day
  • Earn rewards for playing games
  • Discover new games
  • 100% free
  • Practice and pro league
  • Real cash prizes
  • Play anytime
  • Must frequently play to earn loyalty bonuses
  • Don’t win rewards if you lose a round
  • Give access to your phone usage information
  • Limited redemption options
  • Mixed user reviews
  • Potential to lose money
4.5
  • Free practice rounds
  • Low cash entry fees
  • Play multiple matches per day
  • Must frequently play to earn loyalty bonuses
  • Don’t win rewards if you lose a round
Our Pick for Best Game App to Win Real Money
5.0
  • Earn rewards for playing games
  • Discover new games
  • 100% free
  • Give access to your phone usage information
  • Limited redemption options
4.5
  • Practice and pro league
  • Real cash prizes
  • Play anytime
  • Mixed user reviews
  • Potential to lose money

For the last few weeks, I've been trying and testing games that pay real money and claim to pay out for paying mobile games, so hopefully, these apps will be of use to some people.

For those looking for free game apps to win real money, there are plenty to choose from to add a few dollars to your bank account. After all, new research conducted by British psychologists shows that young adults use their mobile phones roughly twice as much as they estimate that they do.

In fact, the small preliminary study found that these young adults used their phones an average of five hours a day — that's roughly one-third of their total waking hours.

We are on our phone a lot, we get it. Wouldn't it make sense to make money and have fun with your phone and win real money through apps?

Download all of these free game apps apps today to increase your odds of winning cash for playing games (table is sortable):

Game AppRatingMinimum Cash OutPayment
Mistplay
4.2/5.0$5.00Gift Cards
Blackout Bingo4.5/5.0$10.00Bank Deposit
Solitaire Cube4.6/5.0$10.00Back Deposit
InboxDollars4.5/5.0$30.00PayPal
Drop4.5/5.0$25.00Gift Cards
Boodle3.9/5.0$2.00Gift Cards
Swagbucks LIVE4.4/5.0$3.00PayPal or Gift Cards

Can You Really Win Real Money Online With Game Apps?

It may sound like a dream that you can get paid to play games on your phone, but it's now a reality.

It's pretty simple too, you can go through the Google Play Store or the App Store and simply search the Casino section for apps that deal with real cash earnings.

Some games pay real money through Cash app.

But some of those apps have terrible reviews and are shady, so I wanted to share my favorite win real money apps (that have good reviews).

Legit Game Apps to Win Real Money Online in 2023

If you are looking for real ways to make money playing games for free then consider checking out my quick list of the best game apps to make money.

Don't worry, I've personally tested all of the recommended money-making apps and they are all legit and payout via PayPal or free gift cards.

1. Mistplay (Android)

mistplay

You can earn cash rewards by playing games on your Android device with Mistplay. This app allows you to discover new games in your Mistplay mix list and choose fun games to start earning points. For each game you play, you can earn points called ‘units' that you can redeem for gift cards.

This app has over 90K positive reviews in the Google Play Store as people are making up to $50 worth of rewards per month using this gaming app. It's the real deal.

Is Mistplay legit?

Verdict: Yes, you can actually win gift cards with Mistplay.

  • App Store Rating: N/A
  • Google Play Rating: 4.2 – ‎98,565 votes

Available on: Android

MISTPLAY

Earning money by playing games on your phone sounds like a dream. But Mistplay really pays you for playing new games with cash rewards.

INSTALL MISTPLAY

2. Blackout Bingo (iOS and Android)

blackout bingo

Blackout Bingo is a brand new bingo-style game where you can win real cash prizes by playing bingo. I’ve won over $80 playing just the Bingo game alone. But I do play some of the other matches that are labeled “brackets” and in those, you can win a higher dollar amount. They also have special events where you can win prizes and larger sums of money and yes, they do deliver on paying you out if you do win whatever prize that is up for grabs.

All in all, I really like this game and spend a good amount of time on their other games too because they’re all pretty fun and super addicting! If you don’t like to gamble then don’t gamble and only play the free portion and if you do wish to gamble at a later time then you can. Available in the US, except AR, CT, DE, IN, LA, ME and SD.

Is Blackout Bingo legit?

Verdict: Yes, you can actually win real money with Blackout Bingo.

  • App Store Rating: 4.5 – ‎13,100 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: N/A

Available on: iOS | Android

3. Solitaire Cash (iOS and Android)

solitaire cashSolitaire Cash is a mobile game that combines classic Solitaire with the opportunity to win real money through cash tournaments. Players can earn virtual cash points through regular gameplay and achievements, but these points do not translate into real money.

Cash tournaments allow users to enter paid competitions and compete against others for cash prizes, with the top 3 finishers receiving real money rewards. The game ensures fair competition by matching players of similar skill levels.

Is Solitaire Cash legit?

Verdict: Yes. While Solitaire Cash has gained popularity with thousands downloads and positive reviews and is a legit game app to win real money.

  • App Store Rating: 4.6 – 238,600 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: N/A

Available on: iOS | Android

4. Bingo Cash (iOS and Android)

bingo cash

Bingo Cash is a mobile game developed by Papaya Gaming, available on both iOS and Android devices, that offers players the chance to play Bingo and participate in real cash tournaments.

Players can compete against others globally, aiming to accumulate points by hitting bingos and clearing the board. The game provides both free tournaments with the use of gems and paid tournaments, where players have the opportunity to win real cash prizes.

However, cash tournaments may be restricted in certain states due to specific laws, limiting those players to free tournaments. Bingo Cash has gained popularity and positive reviews as a legitimate and engaging app for those seeking a chance to win real money through skill-based Bingo gameplay.

Is Bingo Cash legit?

Verdict: Yes. Bingo Cash is considered a legitimate mobile game that offers players the opportunity to play Bingo and participate in both free practice rounds and real cash tournaments.

  • App Store Rating: 4.7 – 89,962 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: N/A

Available on: iOS | Android

5. Solitaire Cube (iOS and Android)

solitaire cube

Solitaire Cube is an addicting game where you can play Solitaire on your phone and compete in cash tournaments. Solitaire Cube includes tournaments and head-to-head competitions with real cash prizes (where available).

It’s pretty easy to get started and the game will match you up with other players who have the same level of skills in real-time. Cash outs are through PayPal and I had no issues withdrawing or depositing money. It's pretty simple to play this game, just stack cards into piles to sort them by their suit. Sound easy? It is!

Is Solitaire Cube legit?

Verdict: Yes, you can actually win real money with Solitaire Cube.

  • App Store Rating: 4.6 – ‎63,372 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: N/A

Available on: iOS | Android

6. InboxDollars (Android and iOS)

inboxdollars

InboxDollars has a library of over 30 arcade games, including solitaire, sudoku, pool, word chess, mahjong, and more. Here you can play a wide selection of GSN (Game Show Network) games, including Poker, Wheel of Fortune, Casino, Boggle, and more. You can pllay for fun, or enter cash tournaments to win prizes. With these cash tournament games, you'll earn cashback in your InboxDollars account for every dollar spent on these casino games. You can then withdraw these funds into your PayPal account. InboxDollars also allows you to earn money for taking surveys, watching videos, and even reading emails.

Is InboxDollars legit?

Verdict: Yes, you can actually win real money with InboxDollars.

  • App Store Rating: 4.5 – ‎120,263 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: 4.1 – ‎97,936 votes

Available on: iOS | Android | Browser

7. Drop (Android and iOS)

drop

Drop does it all for its over 4 million members, not only can you get rewarded for shopping at your favorite brands — but you can find a plethora of games to play in exchange for Drop points + no in-app purchases necessary.

You can easily redeem your points for gift cards directly in the Drop app – whenever and wherever you want to popular retailers, like Amazon, Dunkin Donuts, Whole Foods, JC Penney, and many more.

This app tracks your purchases when you link up your credit card and debit cards, then it automatically adds Drop points to your account when you spend at certain merchants you’ve picked from their list. It’s a simple way to get rewarded for playing games on your phone with an added cash back feature simply for linking your cards (passive income!).

Is Drop legit?

Verdict: Yes, you can actually win gift cards with Drop.

  • App Store Rating: 4.5 – 45,264 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: 3.4 – ‎7,381 votes

Available on: iOS | Android

8. Cashyy (Android)

cashyy

Meet Cashyy (Android only), your new friend that will help you get awesome gift cards, money rewards & vouchers for playing mobile games.

All you have to do is play, complete missions and you will receive real gifts. The more you play the more money you make.

Cashyy is a completely free app where you earn real money by playing games on your smartphone. Then you can exchange your coins for gift cards such as Amazon gift cards, Google Play coupons, PlayStation cards, Zalando vouchers, or you can simply get your cash directly on your PayPal account.

Is Cashyy legit?

Verdict: Yes, you can actually win gift cards with Cashyy.

  • App Store Rating: N/A
  • Google Play Rating: 4.5 – ‎5,510 reviews

Available on: Android

9. AppStation (Android)

appstation

AppStation is a pretty legit way to earn money for playing games. The general idea is that each day you will get 1-4 game recommendations (these do not tend to refresh for a few days if you choose not to install one of them). Each of these games will earn you X points every Y seconds. You don't need to be active in the games for points to accrue.

You just need one of the games open, you don't need to be actively playing for the points to build up. I tend to just load something up when I go to cook dinner, or before a work meeting starts so that it can tick away while I'm busy anyway.

Pro-tip: Games that you aren't interested in, install and delete. This will maximize the number of new games listed, otherwise they just kinda sit in your available list and it doesn't refresh.

Is AppStation legit?

Verdict: Yes, you can actually win gift cards with AppStation.

  • App Store Rating: N/A
  • Google Play Rating: 4.0 – ‎106,767 votes

Available on: Android

10. Boodle (Android)

boodle

Boodle is a completely free and fantastic way for you to earn rewards right from your phone. You can earn coins towards gift cards from the lifestyle brands you love by completing fun and entertaining offers as well as participating in the apps daily polls.

More importantly, you can play popular mobile games that are fun and addicting. You can cash out your coins for gift cards from the lifestyle brands you love like Amazon, Nike, Visa, Burger King, Chipotle and many more. This gaming app is fairly new but has a 3.9/5 rating in the Google Play Store.

Is Boodle legit?

Verdict: Yes, you can actually win gift cards with Boodle.

  • App Store Rating: N/A
  • Google Play Rating: 3.9 – ‎503+ votes

Available on: Android

11. Swagbucks LIVE (Android and iOS)

swagbucks live

Do you want to test your trivia knowledge to win huge cash prizes (up to $1,500 per day)? Then you should put your trivia hat on and check out Swagbucks LIVE — which is a real-time live trivia show that plays out on your phone. Every weekday, a real live host will ask a series of trivia questions and we’ll present you with multiple choice answers from which to choose. The trivia game is short, only 10 questions, so if you’re busy, you don’t need to worry about investing a lot of time.

The games are free to join, with one chance given per game to rejoin if you get a question wrong and are eliminated. Overall, it’s a great game and an easy way to “earn” a few dollars. If you answer every question correctly, you win the grand prize. If multiple players win, the grand prize is split evenly.

Is Swagbucks LIVE legit?

Verdict: Yes, you can actually win real money with Swagbucks LIVE.

  • App Store Rating: 4.4 – ‎25,141 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: 4.1 – ‎44,778 votes

Available on: iOS | Android

12. Zynga Poker (Android and iOS)

texas holdem

Zynga Poker (iOS and Android) is your lucky ticket to join one of the world's most popular free online poker games.

This free gaming app has more tables, more tournaments, more jackpots, and more players to challenge than ever before. The best part? You can play for fun by downloading it here for Android or iOS.

Is Zynga Poker legit?

Verdict: No, you cannot actually win real money with Zynga Poker.

  • App Store Rating: 4.5 – 65,192 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: 4.3 – 2,592,464 votes

Available on: iOS | Android

13. Willy Wonka Slots (iOS and Android)

willy wonkaI discovered Willy Wonka Casino Slots (Android only) about a month ago when trying to find more win real money apps. I’ve really gotten more and more into it as I’ve leveled up. The graphics and animations are top-notch and the little audio snippets from the movie are really funny.

I will say it is absolutely one of the best slot games I've ever played. It is colorful, it pays well in candy and Spins, just a total joy to play. I love the Willy Wonka slots oh, yes it brings me back to a happier freer time, but shouldn't games do that? Bravo to the creators of this game, you did an exceptional job, thank you. However, you cannot actually win real money here.

Is Willy Wonka Slots legit?

Verdict: No, you cannot actually win real money with Willy Wonka Slots.

  • App Store Rating: N/A
  • Google Play Rating: 4.5 – ‎158,665 votes 

14. Lucktastic (App Shut Down)

lucktastic

Lucktastic is a free and fun way to win real cash and prizes and earn rewards. If you want to earn some free gift cards, this app will honestly let you do that. The app provides you with daily digital scratch-offs, just like the scratch-offs you can buy in the convenience store.

But here, they are all free and it pays to check in daily to try your luck. Just know that it'll be a slow earner and takes time and you may not be interested in some of the gift cards, so check those first. If you find one you want, play play play until you have the points. You can redeem your points for cash or gift cards starting at $5.00 (30,000 tokens) which only takes a few days to reach.

Is Lucktastic legit?

Verdict: Yes

  • App Store Rating: 3.9 – ‎5,452 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: 3.8 – ‎328,106 votes

Lucktatic was a legit app but retired on March 16th, 2022. You can check the rewards section in the app and see what you are qualified for before March 15th, 2022.

15. Cash'em All (Android)

cashemall

Cash'em All is one of my favorite game apps to win some money. You start by downloading the app and you get games on your list that you can choose to play. Once you play them you can start earning money for each minute you're on. It's that simple.

I've found you do actually get some decent little games to show up on there. I have 3 that I don't even check the pay rate on anymore, I just play them for enjoyment and getting paid is an extra bonus. Keep in mind that it can be quite slow to accrue the points, and should be viewed more as a passive earning system than anything else.

The variety of payout options and speed of payouts is better than a few other services/websites that I've tried previously. Cash'em All also provides new signups with the same bonuses as the person who referred them – both get 250 points, but then a bonus equal to 25% of the other party's earnings every day. New signups also get a starting balance of 5555 points so that's worth checking out.

Is Cash'em All legit?

Verdict: Yes, you can actually win real gift cards with Cash'em All.

  • App Store Rating: N/A
  • Google Play Rating: 4.2 – ‎36,530 votes 

Available on: Android

16. Long Game Rewards (Android and iOS)

long game rewards

With Long Game, you can play mini-games for cash prizes for free. Believe it or not, you can really make money on your phone with slot machines, scratch-offs, and spin-to-win-wheels, and they even have their own weekly lottery where you can win cash. You can in cash prizes up to $1,000,000 and they make deposits right into your account.

Is Long Game legit?

Verdict: Yes

  • App Store Rating: 4.2 – ‎3,209 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: 4.1 – ‎1,488 votes

17. S'more (Android)

s'more

S'more is a lock screen rewards app that allows you to earn points in exchange for placing ads and content on your lock screen. Every day you'll get points in exchange for having the S'more lock screen installed, and regardless of how many times you see it, you'll have points added to your account. You can expect to earn $3-5 per month for having it installed, which is $60 of passive income. Not bad.

Is S'more legit?

Verdict: Yes

  • App Store Rating: N/A
  • Google Play Rating: 3.2 – ‎24,952+ votes

Best Money Making Apps for iPhone and Android

The apps below are some of my favorite apps that pay you real money. They don’t necessarily have a playing game component, but they are still legitimate ways to make money from your phone.

Believe it or not, I've personally made $150 with the apps below!

18. Paribus (iOS)

paribus

Do you find it hard to save money? Paribus is a free app will scan your emails for any purchase receipts from dozens of online retailers. You don’t even have to know about the price drop in order to get your refund. It’s 100% free and will save you a lot of money. You can pocket around $50 in the first few weeks of signing up.  For example, I bought something online from Target and the price of the item that I purchased dropped in price after the fact. I effortlessly got refunded without doing a thing, other than originally sign up for Paribus. It’s as simple as that. Remember, it’s 100% free!

Is Paribus legit?

  • App Store Rating: 3.9 – ‎1,841 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: N/A

Available on: iOS | Android | Browser

19. Nielsen Mobile Research (Android and iOS)

nielsen

By using the internet as you do every day, Nielsen invites you to make a difference – and you can make money too. By downloading this app you can make around $50-100 passively, it’s a legit app. You don’t have to do anything other than initially registering your computer or phone. Nielsen will pay you $50 a year to keep their app on your favorite internet browsing device and they also give away $10,000 each month. So you can possibly make more than fifty dollars.

Is Nielsen Mobile Research legit?

  • App Store Rating: 3.1 – ‎182 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: 2.9 – ‎5,306 votes

Available on: iOS | Android | Browser

Nielsen Mobile Panel

This company will pay you $50 a year to keep their app on your favorite internet browsing device and they also give away $10,000 each month. You don’t have to do anything other than initially registering your computer or phone.

JOIN, GET $50

20. Ibotta (Android and iOS)

ibotta referral code

The app you should know about is Ibotta if you want to save money on groceries without dealing with outdated coupons. This cash back app actually helps you cut expenses and gives you cash back on Alcohol and everyday items at 500,000 retailers. You heard me right, you can make money for the booze you buy at groceries and restaurants. To chalk it up, Ibotta is a fun rebate app that lets you get cash back on almost everything. It’s available all over the country, and you’ll get a $20 sign-up bonus after uploading your first receipt. Download the app and start a free account to browse the best deals in your area.

Is Ibotta legit?

  • App Store Rating: 4.8 – ‎873,766 reviews
  • Google Play Rating: 4.3 – ‎460,585 votes

Download: iOS | Android

Ready to Play Games that Pay Real Money?

I love getting paid to play games with these best game apps to win real money. I'm also fascinated by the statistics about mobile gaming and how many people aren't aware of game apps to win real money.

Fascinating Mobile Gaming Statistics

  • 21% of Android and 25% of iOS apps downloaded are games.
  • Games account for 43% of all smartphone users.
  • 62% of people install a game on their phone within a week of owning it.
  • 78% of gamers are Android users.
  • The number of active mobile gamers worldwide is over 2.2 billion.
  • 57.9% of the games played are puzzle games.
  • More women spend money on in-game content than men.
  • The mobile games’ revenue is expected to hit $76.7 billion by the end of 2020.

We are on our phones a lot, right? Wouldn't it make sense to make money and have fun with your phone and win real money with real free games?

Hope you were able to find an app that's right for you.

Pro Tip: If you wanted to see how to make a quick $10 right now, check here.

Good luck with your money making journey and using these win real money apps.

For you: Did we miss any good games that pay real money? What different free game apps to win real money and prizes that you've used in the past?

Brian Meiggs
Brian Meiggs
Brian Meiggs is a personal finance expert, and the founder of ReferralWallet, a personal finance site helping you put more money in your pocket. He helps readers follow the smart money in order to increase their earning potential and start building wealth for the future. He regularly writes about side hustles, investing, and general personal finance topics aimed to help anyone earn more, pay off debt, and reach financial freedom. He has been quoted as a top personal finance blogger in major publications including Insider, Yahoo! Finance, NASDAQ, Discover, MSN Money and more.

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