best game apps to make money

The rise of mobile gaming has transformed how we entertain ourselves, but did you know that you can also make money by playing games on your phone? While many gaming apps are designed solely for fun, there’s a growing number of platforms that allow users to earn real money or rewards by playing. Whether you’re looking to cash out through PayPal, earn gift cards, or participate in cash tournaments, there are plenty of options available to turn your gaming time into profit.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best game apps that allow you to make money, break down how they work, and provide tips for maximizing your earnings.

1. Mistplay

Mistplay is one of the most popular apps for earning money while playing games. It rewards users for trying out new games and reaching certain milestones within those games. Instead of direct cash payouts, Mistplay offers users points, which can be redeemed for gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and Google Play.

How Mistplay Works:

• Download and play games: After downloading Mistplay, you’ll be presented with a selection of mobile games. The more you play, the more points you earn.
• Redeem points: Once you’ve accumulated enough points, you can exchange them for gift cards to popular retailers.

Pros:

• Free to use with no in-app purchases required.
• A wide selection of games to choose from, including strategy games, puzzle games, and arcade games.
• You can earn rewards while discovering new games.

Cons:

• You cannot directly earn cash, only gift cards.
• The amount of points you earn can vary depending on the game, and it may take time to accumulate enough points for a reward.

Payout Method:

• Gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Visa, and Google Play.

2. Swagbucks Live

Swagbucks Live is an interactive trivia game app where you can win cash prizes. The app is part of the Swagbucks platform, which allows users to earn points (called SB) for various online activities, including watching videos, taking surveys, and playing games.

How Swagbucks Live Works:

• Play live trivia games: Swagbucks Live hosts trivia games at specific times throughout the day. You compete against other players to answer questions, and if you make it to the end, you win Swagbucks points.
• Earn SB points: The more questions you answer correctly, the more SB points you can earn. These points can be redeemed for cash through PayPal or gift cards.

Pros:

• A fun way to earn money while playing trivia games.
• Cash-out options are flexible, allowing you to choose PayPal or gift cards.
• You can play multiple times a day, giving you more chances to win.

Cons:

• Trivia games are only available at specific times, which may not always fit your schedule.
• Not all players will win, so earnings can vary.

Payout Method:

• PayPal cash or gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon.

3. InboxDollars

InboxDollars offers a variety of ways to make money, including playing games. While it’s primarily known as a survey and cashback app, InboxDollars also has a section where users can earn cash by playing games. You can play popular arcade-style games, puzzle games, and more.

How InboxDollars Works:

• Earn money by playing games: Browse through the game selection and start playing. Some games offer higher payouts than others, so it’s worth exploring different options.
• Complete other activities: You can also earn extra money by taking surveys, watching videos, or shopping online through the InboxDollars portal.

Pros:

• Multiple ways to earn money, including playing games.
• Straightforward payout options with no point system; you earn actual cash.
• Easy to use with no special skills required.

Cons:

• Some games have in-app purchases, which may not be ideal for everyone.
• The payout threshold is relatively high ($30) before you can cash out.

Payout Method:

• PayPal, prepaid Visa cards, or gift cards.

4. Lucktastic

Lucktastic is a free app that offers users the chance to win real money through digital scratch cards. The app operates similarly to traditional scratch-off lottery tickets, but you don’t have to spend any money to play.

How Lucktastic Works:

• Scratch cards: Every day, you can play free scratch card games for a chance to win cash prizes, gift cards, or tokens.
• Daily contests and sweepstakes: In addition to scratch cards, Lucktastic offers sweepstakes and contests where you can win larger prizes.

Pros:

• Completely free to play with no purchases necessary.
• Multiple chances to win money each day.
• Fun and easy to use, with the potential for large cash prizes.

Cons:

• Winnings are based on chance, so there’s no guarantee you’ll earn money.
• The payout threshold can be high, depending on the prize.

Payout Method:

• Cash via check or PayPal, and gift cards.

5. Skillz

Skillz is a competitive gaming platform where players can compete in a variety of games and win real cash prizes. Skillz offers a range of games, including puzzle games, card games, and arcade-style games. You can compete in head-to-head matches or tournaments, with cash prizes awarded to the winners.

How Skillz Works:

• Enter competitions: After signing up, you can enter paid competitions where you compete against other players. Entry fees vary depending on the game and competition.
• Win cash prizes: If you win, you’ll earn real cash that can be withdrawn.

Pros:

• You can win real cash by competing in skill-based games.
• A wide variety of games are available, so you can find something that suits your interests.
• Cash-out options are straightforward, with PayPal being a popular choice.

Cons:

• You’ll need to pay entry fees for most competitions.
• Since games are skill-based, it may take time to improve your skills and win consistently.

Payout Method:

• PayPal, credit cards, or other electronic payment methods.

6. MyPoints

MyPoints is similar to InboxDollars in that it offers multiple ways to earn money, including playing games. By signing up, users can access a range of free and paid games. MyPoints rewards users with points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

How MyPoints Works:

• Earn points by playing games: Play a variety of games to earn points. You can also earn points by shopping online, taking surveys, and watching videos.
• Redeem points: Once you’ve accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for cash or gift cards.

Pros:

• Multiple ways to earn points, including through games.
• The platform offers a wide range of gift card options.
• Easy to use, with a variety of different activities to earn points.

Cons:

• You’ll need to play regularly to accumulate enough points to redeem.
• Some of the higher-paying games may require in-app purchases.

Payout Method:

• PayPal cash, gift cards, or travel miles.

7. HQ Trivia

HQ Trivia is a live trivia game app that allows you to compete in real-time for cash prizes. While HQ Trivia experienced a brief hiatus, it has returned as one of the most popular trivia game apps for earning real money.

How HQ Trivia Works:

• Join live games: The app hosts live trivia games at specific times during the day. Players answer multiple-choice questions, and if you answer all the questions correctly, you win cash.
• Cash prizes: The prize pool is shared among all the players who answer every question correctly.

Pros:

• Fun, interactive trivia game with real cash prizes.
• Free to play with no purchases necessary.
• You can play with friends and compete for bigger prizes.

Cons:

• Trivia games are only available at set times, so you’ll need to play when the games are live.
• Since prizes are shared among winners, payouts may be small if many people win.

Payout Method:

• PayPal cash.

8. Solitaire Cube

Solitaire Cube is a mobile app that allows players to compete in classic Solitaire games for cash prizes. The app offers free-to-play modes as well as cash tournaments, where players can enter paid competitions to win real money.

How Solitaire Cube Works:

• Play Solitaire: Play the classic game of Solitaire on your mobile device. You can either play for free or enter cash tournaments.
• Compete for prizes: In cash tournaments, players compete against others to score the most points. The highest-scoring players win cash prizes.

Pros:

• A simple, classic game that’s easy to play.
• You can play for free or enter cash tournaments for bigger prizes.
• Cash-out options are straightforward, with PayPal as a popular choice.

Cons:

• Entry fees apply for cash tournaments.
• Payouts can vary depending on the number of players in each tournament.

Payout Method:

• PayPal or credit cards.

9. Bingo Cash

Bingo Cash is a fun app that allows users to play bingo for real money. You can compete in head-to-head matches or tournaments, with cash prizes awarded to the winners.

How Bingo Cash Works:

• Play bingo games: After downloading the app, you can enter free or paid bingo games. The goal is to complete bingo patterns and score points.
• Win cash prizes: The highest-scoring players win cash prizes, which can be withdrawn via PayPal or other methods.

Pros:

• A fun twist on classic bingo, with real cash prizes.
• You can play for free or enter paid tournaments for larger rewards.
• Straightforward cash-out options.

Cons:

• Entry fees apply for cash tournaments.
• Like other competitive apps, it may take time to improve your skills and win regularly.

Payout Method:

• PayPal or other electronic payment methods.

Conclusion: Which Game App Is Best for Making Money?

There are plenty of game apps that allow you to make real money, but the best one for you depends on your gaming preferences and how much time you’re willing to invest. For casual gamers, apps like Mistplay and Lucktastic offer a fun way to earn gift cards without spending any money. If you’re more competitive and skilled, apps like Skillz and Solitaire Cube offer opportunities to win real cash by competing in tournaments.

Before you start, be sure to read the fine print and understand how each app works. While some apps are free to use, others may require entry fees for tournaments. No matter which app you choose, making money through mobile gaming can be a fun and rewarding experience.