Are you passionate about gaming and looking for ways to turn your hobby into extra income? Thanks to innovative mobile platforms, there are now apps to make money playing games that reward you with cash, gift cards, or other perks. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated gamer, these apps provide fun opportunities to earn while doing something you already enjoy. In this guide, we’ll explore the best apps that pay money to play games and how you can maximize your earnings.
How Do Game Apps Pay You?
Most apps that pay money to play games operate on a few common models:
- Play-to-Earn: You accumulate points or coins by playing games, reaching levels, or completing challenges. These can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or gift cards.
- Tournaments and Competitions: Skill-based apps let you enter paid or free tournaments to win cash prizes against other players.
- Ad-Watching and Surveys: Some combine gaming with watching ads, taking surveys, or trying new apps for bonus earnings.
- Discovery Platforms: Apps recommend new games; you earn by installing and playing them for set periods.
Earnings vary, typically ranging from $5 to $50 per month depending on time invested, but top performers can make more through consistent play.
Best Apps That Pay Money to Play Games
1. Mistplay
Mistplay is a popular Android-only app that rewards you with points, called “units,” for downloading and playing new mobile games. The more time you spend playing, the more units you earn, which can later be exchanged for gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Google Play, and Visa. It’s best for casual gamers who enjoy trying out different titles and want to get rewarded for their playtime.
- How it Works: Download games via the app, play to earn units based on time spent and milestones.
- Earning Potential: $10–$30 per month with regular play; units redeemable for gift cards.
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a versatile rewards platform that pays you in points (SB) for completing a variety of online activities, including taking surveys, shopping online, watching videos, and even playing games. These points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards. It’s one of the most well-known “get-paid-to” platforms and is great for those who prefer multiple earning options.
- How it Works: Play games, watch videos, or take surveys to earn SB points.
- Earning Potential: $10–$25 monthly; some users report higher with trivia games like Swagbucks Live.
3. InboxDollars
InboxDollars works similarly to Swagbucks but rewards users in dollars instead of points, making it more straightforward. You can earn money by completing surveys, reading emails, shopping online, and playing games. It’s beginner-friendly and ideal for anyone who wants a simple way to earn a bit of extra cash.
- How it Works: Play games, complete surveys, or read emails to earn cash.
- Earning Potential: Up to $25 per month, $5 sign-up bonus.
4. Cash Giraffe
Cash Giraffe is a mobile app that rewards you for playing games. Once downloaded, it recommends different games to try, and you earn coins for each minute you spend playing. These coins can later be redeemed for gift cards. It’s perfect for mobile gamers looking for variety and rewards.
- How it Works: Play curated games to earn coins based on playtime.
- Earning Potential: $5–$20 monthly, quick small payouts.
5. Solitaire Cash
Solitaire Cash takes the classic solitaire card game and turns it into a skill-based competition. Players can enter tournaments where they compete against others, and winners can earn real cash prizes. It’s best suited for fans of solitaire who want to add a competitive and rewarding twist to their favorite game.
- How it Works: Compete in solitaire matches, pay entry fees for cash prizes.
- Earning Potential: Up to $83 per win
6. Bingo Cash
Bingo Cash is a fun and fast-paced app where you can play bingo against other players in real-time. It offers tournaments and skill-based competitions with cash rewards for winners. It’s an entertaining choice for bingo lovers who enjoy a little competition.
- How it Works: Enter free or paid tournaments to daub numbers and win.
- Earning Potential: Up to $83 per game.
7. Bubble Cash
Bubble Cash is a bubble-shooting game with a competitive edge. Players enter tournaments where they pop bubbles to score points, and top performers can win cash prizes. It’s perfect for fans of arcade-style games who want to earn money while playing.
- How it Works: Match bubbles to clear boards faster than opponents in tournaments.
- Earning Potential: Up to $500 for pros.
8. Rewarded Play
Rewarded Play is another Android-based gaming rewards app where you earn gift cards by trying out and playing different mobile games. The app is easy to use and partners with many retailers, making it a popular choice for gamers who prefer earning gift cards rather than cash.
- How it Works: Play games and complete tasks for points.
- Earning Potential: $5–$15 monthly, $5 bonus for new users.
9. Freecash
Freecash is a reward-based website where you can earn money by completing surveys, watching ads, testing apps, and other online activities. It has a flexible payout system, allowing you to withdraw earnings via PayPal, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. It’s best for users who want multiple ways to earn online.
- How it Works: Play games, take surveys, or complete offers.
- Earning Potential: Up to $225 per offer, $5 sign-up bonus.
10. Pocket7Games
Pocket7Games is a mobile app that offers over a dozen different mini-games, ranging from solitaire to bubble shooters. Players can compete in head-to-head matches or tournaments for the chance to win real money. It’s a solid option for those who want variety and like the idea of playing multiple games within one app.
- How it Works: Compete against players for cash prizes.
- Earning Potential: Varies by tournament up to $100+.
Also Read: 18 Best Apps to Get Paid for Texting
Tips to Maximize Earnings on Apps That Pay Money to Play Games
While these apps are fun and rewarding, making the most of them requires strategy. Here are some expanded tips to help you maximize your earnings:
- Focus on High-Payout Games: Not all games within an app reward equally. Look for games that offer higher points per minute or per level.
- Combine Multiple Apps: Don’t rely on just one platform. Using two or three apps simultaneously allows you to diversify and boost your income.
- Take Advantage of Bonuses: Many apps offer sign-up, referral, and daily login bonuses. These small boosts add up over time.
- Set a Play Schedule: Consistency is key. Even dedicating 15–30 minutes daily can result in steady rewards.
- Refer Friends and Family: Several apps have referral programs where you can earn a percentage of your friends’ activity.
- Watch for Special Events: Seasonal promotions or in-app contests can provide higher payouts or exclusive rewards.
- Use Spare Time Wisely: Play during commutes, breaks, or downtime instead of dedicating long hours.
Potential Drawbacks and Scams to Avoid
While there are legit apps to make money playing games, earnings are modest, and some apps have high thresholds or ads. Watch for red flags like unrealistically high promises or poor reviews. Apps like those in unverified PDFs or suspicious sites may be scams. Always download from official stores.
Final Thoughts
With so many apps to make money playing games, 2025 is a great time to turn your gaming sessions into real rewards. Whether you prefer competitive platforms like Skillz or casual apps like Mistplay, there’s an opportunity for everyone to earn. While you won’t get rich overnight, these apps can help you earn extra cash and gift cards while doing what you love.
If you’ve been searching for apps that pay money to play games, start with the list above and find the ones that best suit your gaming style.
FAQs - Best Apps That Pay Money to Play Games
Ans: Yes, many apps like Mistplay, Swagbucks, and Solitaire Cash are legit and have paid millions to users. Always check reviews and ensure the app is from a trusted source like the App Store or Google Play.
Ans: Earnings typically range from $5 to $50 per month, depending on time spent and app type. Skill-based apps like Solitaire Cash or Bubble Cash can offer higher payouts (up to $500) for skilled players in tournaments.
Ans: Most apps are free to download and offer free earning options. Some, like Solitaire Cash or Bingo Cash, may require entry fees for cash tournaments, but they also have free modes.
Ans: Common payout methods include PayPal cash, gift cards (Amazon, Google Play), or bank transfers. Apps like InboxDollars and Freecash offer multiple options, while Rewarded Play is limited to gift cards.
Ans: Most apps, like Swagbucks and Solitaire Cash, are available on both platforms. However, some, like Mistplay and Rewarded Play, are Android-only, while Pocket7Games focuses on iOS.
Ans: While legit apps are safe, risks include time-wasting on low-paying tasks, ads, or apps with high payout thresholds. Avoid apps promising huge earnings without verified reviews, as they may be scams.
