Best Games To Play To Make Money

There's something for everyone, including popular games like Bejeweled 2, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Tetris, Spades, and Scrabble. This website isn't free, as it requires a deposit of $5, 10, or 20 to begin playing for real money.

Promotions are accurate at the point of publishing and only available for a limited time. All promotions are subject to change without notification.

Playing games online can be a great way to make extra money. It’s so much fun that some people have been caught playing online Scrabble while waiting at a stoplight. But it can also be a way to put cash in your wallet.

I actually make money by playing games online. There are several websites that actually pay you to play games for free. In case you are unaware, some websites not only pay you to play games for free, they also give away cash and other prizes for participating in online competitions. And it does not cost you anything too. How to Make Money Playing Video Games. Frederick Aldeco was the youngest of three boys who loved to game. Growing up, he and his brothers first fought over who could play the Nintendo, then the Super Nintendo, then the PlayStation. Wanna start making money by playing online games? You cannot miss that. Come and see how we do it ✅.

Do Online Games Really Pay?

Yes, you can make money by playing games online. It’s not too good to be true!

The key thing to getting paid is to choose the right games and platforms. With some games, you could earn lots of tokens but have no way to turn your winnings into actual cash. Other times your winnings are paid in real money.

A great way to double your earnings from online games is to play a money-making game that’s partnered with a platform like Swagbucks, which pays you for your online activity. With this approach, you could earn money directly from the game you’re playing and simultaneously earn money from Swagbucks.

How Much Can You Make with Online Games?

The amount of money you can make from online games is based on a combination of time, luck and gaming experience.

Professional gamers make an average of $60,000 per year, and top-earners can earn as much as $15,000 per hour.

Many online games are so much fun that you’d be playing even if you weren’t getting paid. Because you’re earning money from goofing off, you might be less concerned about maximizing income when playing these games.

Some online games will release their numbers about how many users it has, how much money it’s paid, and an average payout percentage. This can go a long way in determining how much money you could make.

Keep in mind that for games of chance, such as online slot machines, each spin is based on a Random Number Generator (RNG). Numbers are generated randomly, and the system doesn’t know if you’ve just won big or if you’ve been playing for hours.

What’s the Best Type of Games that Pay Real Money?

Video games rarely pay you directly. However, you can win real money by playing in video game tournaments, farming out characters you’ve leveled up, or becoming a Twitch streamer.

In one extreme case, superstar gamer Tyler Blevins, known as Ninja, has made about $10 million from playing online video games. He has a popular YouTube channel and is an active social media personality. He’s even published a book on how to get good at gaming.

In addition, eSports is a popular way for professional video game players to win big jackpots. Last year, more than $156 million was awarded across 3,500 tournaments, and one top player earned $4.2 million.

Many gamers also earn money by becoming a video game tester. By working directly with game producers to try out beta versions, you could get paid for your skills on PC, Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo consoles.

Online slot machines are another way to win money. They’re typically available on both a mobile app and via a website. In some cases, you’ll need to buy in to start playing, but other times you’ll start with a deposit bonus when you sign up.

About eight percent of smartphone users are playing online casino games. Yet finding money-making game apps can be a bit tricky. Google limits access to real-money gaming apps for Androids, and Apple’s app store doesn’t allow rankings for these apps.

Best Games On Google Play To Make Money

Although online poker does face regulation from some statewide gambling agencies, it’s possible to play and win in some locations. For example, one couple has only been playing for a few years, and they’re earning an average of $3,500 per month, which is more than enough to cover their rent.

How Do Games Pay Out?

Each gaming site pays a little differently, so you may want to check out the rules before playing.

First, consider the site’s payment types. You could get gift cards, online currency, prepaid credit cards, a check or online currency.

Next, there are payment schedules to look at. Some sites will pay you whenever you request it. Others have weekly or monthly payment schedules. Other sites may require you to have made a certain amount of money before you can cash out.

Top 7 Money-Making Online Games for 2019

Here are the best ways to win real money from online games.

1. Swagbucks

From Swagbucks Games, you have direct access to some of the best online games. One of the community’s favorites is an online trivia game called Swagbucks Live where users can win virtual currency that can be exchanged for cash.

More than just connecting you to money-making games, you can actually earn cash just by using the platform. For each game, you can earn site currency, called Swagbucks, based on your activity. Then you can cash in for gift cards or Visa Rewards cards. With Swagbucks, you can also get paid for online activities like watching videos, answering surveys or searching the web. Its users now have more cash in their wallets after earning more than $383 million!

2. Solitaire Cube

This popular card game is a modern version of the classic game Klondike Solitaire. Each round lasts one or two minutes. Rather than being a solo game, you can use the platform Skillz to compete with players around the world. In most U.S. states, you can win cash prizes from playing in tournaments.

Payouts can vary. One user deposited $25 and won $120 within a week. A top player has earned more than $350,000.

3. 21 Blitz

This online game combines Backjack with Solitaire. To practice, you can play for free. When you’re ready to play the game for real money, you can switch to cash games. Users have said that when playing competitively, you’ll be matched up with other users who have the same skill level. This can make it more difficult for savvy players to win a big jackpot by playing less-skilled players.

4. Slingo

This popular online game combines playing bingo with free slots. It’s been around since the days of AOL, but now you can play either on a desktop or mobile app. Winnings can be redeemed for cash via PayPal.

5. Lucktastic

This money-making online game is only available on smartphones. More than one million users have won extra cash by playing online scratch-off games and contests. Playing real-money games is free, and there’s no buy-in. However, there’s an ad that plays before each scratch-off game. Your odds of winning will depend on the number of people playing scratch cards and the number of people entered in the contest.

6. Slotomania

This slot game is rated as one of the top real money casino games. Slotmania has more than 100 million players. It’s free to play, but you do need to have coins in your account. After your free initial bundle of coins, you can purchase additional coins or get coins via casino bonuses.

7. 888poker

The international online poker game includes Texas Hold ’em, Seven Card Stud, Omaha High/Low and more. There are live poker tournaments and even a team of professional poker players. It’s only available in some U.S. states. Withdrawing your online winnings is simple as logging in to your account and clicking “withdraw.”

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Want to play games AND make real money? Here are 10 apps that pay you to play games online.

Sometimes you just want to play. But your wallet and your friends are telling you that you've got to hustle.

It can start feel like life is all about money.

Good news is, fun time doesn't have to be wasted time.

While there are scams out there, and some games that pay so little as to not be worth your time, we've found the ones that will give you the most bang for your buck. Here's a list of the best online games that pay you to play.

Best Games that Pay Real Money
  • Swagbucks - Best Online Games
  • Inboxdollars - Earn with Paypal
  • Mistplay - On Android Only
  • Long Game - iOS Games
  • Lucktastic - Play Free
  • Bingo Mania - Play on PC
  • Swagbucks Live - Mobile Play
  • Brain Battle - Google Play and iTunes Store Games
  • Bananatic - For STEAM Gamers
  • GSN Cash Games - Play On Your Phone
What online game pays the most?
Some Swagbucks users who play a few hours a day report earning between $50-$200 a month. Earn money playing their 3 free titles, or use tokens to play popular games from the App Store.

1. Swagbucks - Best Online Games

Earn Swagbucks for things you already do: shopping, watching videos, answering surveys—and, of course, games.

You can buy tokens to play lots of well-known titles like Angry Birds, Bejeweled, and Scrabble Cubes.

Redeem your earnings in gift cards to well-known retailers or cash. Games aren't the highest paying activity on Swagbucks, but if you were going to play anyway, you might as well get paid for it.

Swagbucks is free to play, and open to anyone age 13 and up, which makes it a great option for teens to make money online. Plus, there's a good chance that you can play even if you live outside of North America. Earn an easy bonus Swagbuck each day by answering their daily poll.

What You Can Earn

  • Earnings average out around $1 per hour.
  • Payout: Paypal, Gift Cards, and e-Gift Cards

2. Inboxdollars - Earn with Paypal

Want your earnings deposited directly into your checking or savings? Check out Inboxdollars. They've got over 30 free arcade games, like solitaire and sudoku, which you were already doing when your boss's back was turned.

They're connected to the GSN (Game Show Network) as well, which means you can play in tournaments and get cash back through your Inboxdollars account.

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid email address to use Inboxdollars. While it does have a relatively high minimum to request payment at $30, the company has an A Rating from the Better Business Bureau, so you can be confident that your money and your time are in good hands.

What You Can Earn

  • Earn $10 a day to start, or between 25 cents and $5 per activity.
  • Payouts: Paypal or Check

Learn More: Review of Inboxdollars

3. Mistplay - On Android Only

Play games and chat with friends on your Android with Mistplay. They have super popular titles like Rise of Kingdoms and Coin Master.

Get paid in gift cards for Amazon, Visa, or the Google Play Store, among others, and enter to win larger prizes like legit game consoles.

Sadly, Mistplay isn't available in the iOS App Store just yet, but you can sign the waitlist on their website.

Anyone over 18 years old can use Mistplay, but if they find out you're younger and have lied about your age, your rewards will be rescinded.

What's the best app for Android users?
Mistplay is exclusive to Android and offers lots of great titles, like Coin Master, Family Farm, Rise of Kingdoms, and more. The app features chat, leaderboards, and even a helpful Q&A. Choose from cool avatars like the Sinister Shark, the One-Eyed Assassin, or the Fresh Flesh Zombie.

What You Can Earn

  • Between $10-$20 per week
  • Payouts: Gift Cards, Google Play Store Credit, iTunes Credit

4. Long Game - iOS Games

This innovative app is designed to reward you for saving money. As it says on their site: 'Save more to play more.'

Connect your bank account to the app, deposit funds into your savings, and earn tokens to play games like Spin to Win, Lucky Slots, and Scratchers, where you can earn real money.

Earn coins by meeting savings goals and use them to enter for prizes in cash, crypto, and free game play. What's more, your Long Game savings earn interest at 0.1% APY.

Like a real savings account, Long Game funds are FDIC insured, so you can feel safe about using the app. Due to the direct deposits, you'll need an active bank account to sign up.

What You Can Earn

  • The 0.1% return on savings that the App offers is better than many traditional savings accounts
  • Payouts: Bank Deposits

5. Lucktastic - Play Free

Used all your quarters for laundry, but still want to scratch-and-win? Lucktastic has you covered. Win gift cards, cash, and other prizes, up to $1 Million. Lucktastic is free to play, with no in-app purchases.

Like the name suggests, Lucktastic is all about luck. Your chances of winning depend on how many other people are playing or entering contests. But since it costs nothing, there's no harm in trying your luck.

Online Games To Earn Cash

Lucktastic is mobile only, which means you'll need an Apple or Android device to play. Users must be US citizens of at least 13 years of age, with GPS location services enabled on their phone or tablet.

What You Can Earn

  • $5 - $10 a month
  • Payouts: Cash, Gift Card, or Check

Lucktastic: Play Games and Earn Cash

Learn More: Review of Lucktastic

7. Bingo Mania - Play on PC

Bingo Mania is one of the first real money Bingo sites on the net.

They've got slots, video poker, table games, lottery games too. The site, available on desktop and mobile, offers card prices from $.01 to $5, with reported winnings as high as $27,000.

Their games aren't free to play, but as of writing they offer a $100 sign up bonus.

Remember: this is gambling, so you must be over 18, and you should never risk more than you can afford.

What You Can Earn

  • Payouts start at a minimum of $100 and go up to $2500 a week, but your actual winnings are up to chance
  • Payouts: Check

8. Swagbucks LIVE - Mobile Play

Formerly known as Swag IQ, Swagbucks LIVE is another gameshow-style app. Take advantage of your knowledge of trivia to earn real money rewards. You have 10 seconds each to answer 10 multiple choice questions.

Compete for prizes of (typically) $500-$1,000, but sometimes more, and earn Swagbucks in the process. It's worth noting that even if you win, the prize is split between all of the other winners, too.

What You Can Earn

  • Earn around 5 Swagbucks per game, in addition to your cut of the prize money if you win.
  • Payouts: Gift Cards and Paypal Cash

9. Brain Battle - Google Play and iTunes Store Games

Lots of free-to-play games make their money in advertising. Play Brain Battle and you have a chance to take a cut. (You don't even have to win.)

All you have to do is play any of their free games to earn tickets, which you can enter into drawings for cash prizes.

Just download their app on the Google Play Store or the iOS App Store, play, and enter to win.

What You Can Earn

  • 10k are worth 10 cents, as well as entering for cash prizes, which can go as high as $10,000
  • Payouts: Paypal

10. Bananatic - For STEAM Gamers

Get access to new games before anyone else with Bananatic. Play, and provide helpful feedback to developers who then use your insights to make their games better.

Earn 'Bananas' as you play and exchange them for game keys on STEAM, game hardware, gift cards, and more.

The range of games available is quite impressive, with dozens, if not hundreds of titles to choose from, many of which you've heard of.

What You Can Earn

  • Most activities will earn you 100 bananas. A $5 Amazon gift card costs 2500
  • Payouts: Paypal, Gift Cards, STEAM Wallet

11. GSN Cash Games - Play On Your Phone

With GSN Cash Games, play games against other players to win real money.

Now, these games aren't free to play, but when you make a deposit you can earn Bonus Bucks (not redeemable for cash), which can be used to enter into cash tournaments.

Best Games To Play To Make Money

Thanks to their 'matchmaking' algorithm, you're matched against players of comparable skill, so you always have a chance of winning. Choose from games like Solitaire Rush, Bejeweled 2, and Wheel of Fortune, to name a few.

What You Can Earn

  • Don't expect any sort of consistent income from GSN Cash Games. There's always the chance you'll win a large prize, but as with all gambling, you'll probably lose more often than you win.
  • Payouts: Bank Deposit

Other Gaming Apps to Consider

If even this extensive list wasn't enough to quench your thirst for games that pay to play, here are some other fun options to try.

  • Twitch
    Become a Twitch affiliate to live stream your gameplay with fans and subscribers. Once you build a successful channel with a reliable audience, you can turn this hobby into ad revenue.
  • Pogo
    Earn pre-paid credit cards and merchandise prizes while playing over 50 casual games like Solitaire and Monopoly. Pogo used to offer Jackpot prizes, but the practice was discontinued.
  • Gamesville
    Play a variety of Bingo, card games, and more on Gamesville, one of the longest running gaming sites online. Earn gift cards or cash prizes ranging from $5 - $100.
  • Paid Game Player
    Paid Game Player offers puzzles, arcade, word & trivia, and casino-style games. It's unlikely you'll make a lot of money playing here, but you can earn for taking surveys, completing offers, or clicking on ads.
  • Second Life
    Second Life is more of an online sandbox than a game. There is no specific goal, other than to have fun. It's not the first place you should look if you want to make money playing games, but it is possible to turn your creativity into real money.
  • Big Time Cash
    Play from over 600 games and earn tickets to enter drawings for cash prizes. The more tickets you get, the more chances you have to win.
  • Clip2Play
    Take part in daily tournaments where the winners earn prizes at the end of the day. You can also earn points by referring friends. Get enough and you can exchange them for cash.

What apps should you avoid?

Not all promises that you can earn money playing games are legitimate, and some apps and games are actual scams that you ought to avoid. Here's a list of apps and games that you might want to give a wide berth.

Givling
While Givling, another rapid-fire trivia game, appears to be a legitimate place to win money on first glance, the path to success may be more costly than the developers would have you believe.

Winning with Givling requires being at the top of their queue every two weeks when the jackpot is awarded, and while there are free ways to move up--like playing games and watching ads--it seems that much of your chances depend on spending money on the app or with Givling's sponsors, sometimes to the tune of thousands of dollars, and even that's no guarantee.

Any app that incentivizes you to pay to win is gambling at best, and should not be considered a viable way to earn money.

Lucky Day
While Lucky Day appears popular when you search online, the app appears to be employing suspicious practices in order to prevent users from reaching the $10 minimum required to cash out.

Some users have reported getting stuck at the $9.90 mark with no way to advance, and even asked to spend money in order to increase their chances of earning. Further, according to reviews, users who do manage to achieve the $10 minimum may suddenly find all of the gift cards out of stock in the online store.

When in doubt, follow the reviews of other users. If they are overly rosy, but seem like they weren't written by real people, or all five-star, but full of criticism, it is likely because the apps are attempting to cheat the system. And remember, any game that asks you to pay to win is either a casino in disguise, or an outright scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answered about earning money playing games online. Not all games are the same, and not all are transparent about their policies, but based on some common metrics and best practices, you should be able to judge for yourself whether a game is worth your valuable time.

How long does it take to get paid?

  • Swagbucks - 10 Days
  • Inboxdollars - 10 Days
  • Mistplay - 48 Hours
  • Long Game - 3-5 Business Days
  • Lucktastic - 2-4 Weeks
  • Bingo Mania - Payouts are processed every Monday

How do I know if a game is legit?

If you're wondering whether a game or site is legit, there are a number of clues to look for.

Best Games To Play To Make Money Glitch

Do reviews sound like they were written by real people?
Positive reviews on the App Store, the Google Play Store, or the product website are obviously a good sign, but make sure they sound like they were written by actual users—and be sure to check the text. Some sites will incentivize their users to give 5-star ratings, but the reviews themselves may be negative.

How many downloads are there?
If the number of downloads is very low, there's a good chance that the game isn't legit. When in doubt, trust your peers. If other people are staying away from a site, you should too.

Are there complaints about payment?
Some sites seem legit, but make it difficult to receive the money you've earned. For example, if the payout minimum is $10, but you hit a mysterious run of bad luck once you've earned $9.90, there's a good chance the game is a scam.

Are there high payout minimums?
If the most you can earn in a day is a couple of dollars, but the minimum payout requirement is excessively high, there is a good chance the site is trying to get your time for free. Their hope may be that you play long enough to earn twenty or thirty dollars, but not enough to cash out—which would mean they get your time and effort at no cost.

Are there hidden subscription costs?
Some apps are free to start, with frequent or expensive subscription fees that you are intended not to notice on download. Pay attention to your monthly bills from Apple and Google for unexpected charges, and look carefully at the pricing, even when an app purports to be free.

Are paid games worth it?

That entirely depends on what your goals are. The truth is, if you're just looking to supplement your income or get a little spending money in your free time, paid games are a fun way to do it. But if when it comes to replacing a proper job, the chances that you are going to be able to earn even close to a livable income are exceedingly small.

Bottom Line

Who doesn't want to earn money while doing something fun? Regardless of what games you're into, there's bound to be something on this list that will help you feel a little better about that downtime everybody says you're wasting.

Whether you want to earn bit by bit with Swagbucks or Inboxdollars, or try to go big with Lucktastic or Bingo Mania, there's something for everyone. Give the games a try, and then use the money to treat yourself.

After all, you've earned it.

Write to Jeremy H at jeremy.harshman@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

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