23 Best Apps and Games That Pay Real Money (2024)
23 Best Apps and Games That Pay Real Money (2024)
Maybe it sounds too good to be true, but there are several websites and apps that offer real money earning games. Here's where to get started.
Video games have come a long way since Pong was released in 1958.
More and more people are spending money and time on their favorite games. Smartphone and online gaming have soared in the last ten years, and nearly 73% of people ages 4 to 20 own at least one video game console. In 2020, the video game industry boomed with revenue close to $180 billion.[1]
With this explosion of people playing games, new opportunities to earn money through games keep cropping up. From video game blogs to YouTube channels to tech support, you can take your passion for video games and turn them into a lucrative side hustle.
Ways to Get Paid to Play Games
As amazing as it would be, no one is going to pay you meaningful amounts of cold hard cash to loaf around and play video games all day. There has to be something in it for them, too. Generally speaking, gamers can make money in one of several ways:
Consume ads or sign-up offers. Advertisers will pay to get in front of relevant buyers wherever they are. Your Facebook News Feed, your TV, and yes, the sponsored ads in the games you play. Some apps will pay you a portion of the fee they charge these advertisers which can add up to a few extra bucks each month. Other times they’ll pay a small cash bonus, anywhere from $0.50 up to $10, just to get you to install an app (in the hopes that you’ll become an active user).
Earn milestone rewards. Certain games will reward users with cash or cash equivalents — like free gift cards — for reaching certain levels or unlocking certain features. The more complex the game, the higher the level you achieve, or the longer you play, the larger the reward.
Win contests. Trivia, sweepstakes, free drawings, you get the idea. Entry into tournaments or giveaways for your shot at a grand prize or a portion of a prize pool.
Play games of chance. In many areas, casino-like games that pay users real money are legal. From lotteries and raffles to digital slots and games like Blackjack, there are dozens of opportunities to stretch your luck — and win cash prizes.
Play games of skill. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, DOTA 2, League of Legends, Fortnite…they are but a few of many franchises where millions in cumulative tournament prize pools are dolled out each year.
Gaming as a business. Streaming, blogging, vlogging, sponsorships. More difficult and much more time-intensive, but the ceiling for pay and earnings is substantially higher. The ultra-successful make more than $500,000 per month.[2]
Gaming as a career. Game tester, game developer, gaming journalist. All titles to describe a few of the careers in the gaming genre.
Even if full-time gaming isn’t your goal, you can still earn money on the side. Many people earn enough each month to buy a new game (or two) — or upgrade their equipment — simply by playing real money-earning games in their free time.
Apps and Games That Pay Real Money
While you can only earn virtual money or credits with many online games, there is plenty of real money-earning games that you can play for cash — namely through passively watching the ads in between levels, or by completing micro tasks.
If you’re not interested in becoming a professional gamer but want to earn some easy cash each month playing games, consider these sites.
1. InboxDollars
More than just a gaming app, InboxDollars is a market research company that rewards users for sharing insights about their shopping, online, and gaming behavior.
Big brands pay them to ask their users how they feel about the games they’re playing. InboxDollars then passes along a portion of their earnings to their members when they give feedback about how to improve the game, or when they hit a certain milestone, like reaching certain levels.
1. InboxDollars
More than just a gaming app, InboxDollars is a market research company that rewards users for sharing insights about their shopping, online, and gaming behavior.
Big brands pay them to ask their users how they feel about the games they’re playing. InboxDollars then passes along a portion of their earnings to their members when they give feedback about how to improve the game, or when they hit a certain milestone, like reaching certain levels.
2. Mistplay
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks provides an opportunity for casual gamers to make real money playing games. These games are simple to play and usually a lot of fun, and it’s easy to sign up.
New Swagbucks users also get a free $10 sign-up bonus.
Once you download the app and verify you’re email address, you can start to earn SB towards free gift cards in one of three ways:
Install a game. Earn anywhere from 500 to 5000+ SB ($0.50 to $50.00) and reach a certain level.
Play a game. Play for free and accumulate SB to put towards gift cards.
Get cashback. The cashback will come from in-game purchases if you choose to make them.
Installing a game and unlocking certain levels is by far the most lucrative option, but make sure to pay close attention to all of the offer details before embarking. There is usually an exact level and a certain timeframe you have to achieve that level by in order to earn the prize. NEXT 1,2,3...