9 Best Games That Pay Real Money
Want to make some extra cash while playing games? We’ve tested several apps and sites where you can earn real money. This guide covers strategies to maximize your earnings, turning gaming into a productive side hustle.
Video gaming has come a long way since the days of Pong in 1958. Today, with over 53% of American households owning at least one gaming console, it's no wonder that in 2023, the gaming industry saw revenues exceeding $248 billion. This booming market has created more ways than ever to earn real money through gaming.
Ways to Earn While Gaming
Whether you’re aiming for side income or a full-time gig, these strategies can help you earn cash, upgrade gear, or fund future game purchases:
- Watch Ads or Complete Sign-Up Offers: Some games pay you $0.50 to $10 for watching ads or installing apps.
- Play Games of Chance: Legal digital casino games like slots or blackjack offer cash prizes for winners.
- Achieve Milestone Rewards: Level up in games to earn gift cards and cash rewards.
- Compete in Skill-Based Games: Games like Fortnite and League of Legends host tournaments with prize pools worth millions.
- Create Gaming Content: Stream, blog, or get sponsorships to turn your hobby into a profitable venture.
- Build a Gaming Career: Become a game tester, developer, or journalist and get paid to stay in the gaming world.
Apps and Games That Pay Real Money
1. Freecash
- Freecash allows users to earn by testing game apps, getting cashback on in-app purchases, and completing high-value offers. With a low withdrawal minimum of $0.50, users can redeem earnings through PayPal, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Moderately active users can expect to earn around $10-$50 monthly.
2. Swagbucks
- Swagbucks rewards users for playing games, shopping, and completing surveys. With a $10 sign-up bonus, users can earn SB points that convert to cash. Installing games and achieving milestones can be highly lucrative, with top earners making around $20-$30 in their best months.
3. InboxDollars
- InboxDollars rewards users for playing a variety of arcade games, from card and word games to action games. New users get a $5 sign-up bonus, and they can earn cash rewards by participating in paid surveys and in-game tasks. In my first week, I made $8 by playing games and completing surveys.
4. KashKick
- KashKick is a rewards platform where users earn cash by playing games and completing tasks. Casual games like Bubble Shooter offer points that convert to cash. Users can accumulate earnings by participating in daily challenges and promotions, with approximate earnings of $1-$5 per game.
5. Rewarded Play
- Rewarded Play, an Android-exclusive app, offers cash and gift cards for playing games like puzzles and arcade titles. Players earn points through games and daily challenges, redeemable once reaching the $5 minimum payout threshold.
Games of Chance
6. Blackout Bingo
- Blackout Bingo offers a competitive bingo experience where you race against other players for cash prizes. The app starts with free practice games, making it easy to get a feel for the gameplay before entering cash tournaments. Note: Cash tournaments are not available in AR, CT, DE, IN, LA, and SD.
7. Pool Payday
- Pool Payday brings competitive pool to mobile devices, letting players compete for cash prizes. With free practice games, it’s perfect for honing skills before playing for cash. Note: Cash tournaments are not available in AZ, AR, CT, DE, IL, IN, LA, ME, MT, SC, SD, and TN.
8. Solitaire Cube
- Solitaire Cube adds a competitive twist to the classic card game. Compete head-to-head or in tournaments with cash prizes. It’s easy to start with practice games to get comfortable before entering paid competitions. Note: Cash tournaments are not available in AR, CT, DE, IN, LA, ME, and SD.
9. Blitz
- 21 Blitz combines blackjack and solitaire, challenging players to make 21. With a mix of strategy and luck, this game offers cash tournaments that are both fun and rewarding. Practice rounds are available to help players get comfortable before jumping into competitions.
These platforms make it easy to earn real money through games, from casual gaming to competitive tournaments. Whether you’re in it for fun or profit, these games offer an engaging way to earn extra cash. Try them out and see how your gaming skills can pay off