Top Mobile Gaming Apps That Pay Real Money: 15 Legit Ways to Earn While You Play

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your mobile gaming hobby into a side hustle, you’re not alone. In recent years, the rise of reward-based platforms and cash incentive apps has made it easier than ever to make money playing mobile games. Whether you’re swiping through puzzles or commanding armies in strategic battles, there are mobile apps that pay you real money for your playtime.

Below, we’ve rounded up 15 top-rated apps that reward you for gaming—each offering different methods of earning from cash prizes to PayPal payments, gift cards, and cryptocurrency. So if you’re ready to turn your downtime into dollars, read on.

1. Mistplay (Android Only)

Earning Type: Points redeemable for gift cards
How It Works: Earn units by playing new games and staying active. The more you play, the more points you earn.
Pros: Wide selection of games, rewards from trusted retailers
Cons: Only available on Android, no direct cash option

2. Swagbucks Live

Earning Type: Cash via PayPal or gift cards
How It Works: Answer live trivia questions correctly to earn Swagbucks (SB), which can be redeemed for rewards.
Pros: Real-time excitement, multiple payout options
Cons: Fixed schedule for games, limited earnings per session

3. InboxDollars

Earning Type: Cash via PayPal
How It Works: Earn money by trying games, completing surveys, watching videos, and more. Payout starts at $15.
Pros: Multiple earning options, easy interface
Cons: Slow earning pace, long time to reach payout threshold

4. Skillz Games

Earning Type: Cash tournaments
How It Works: Play skill-based games like puzzle, card, and arcade titles to compete for real money.
Pros: High earning potential, competitive play
Cons: Requires initial deposit for real winnings, skill-based competition

5. MyPoints

Earning Type: Gift cards or PayPal
How It Works: Earn points through sponsored games and other online activities, then redeem for cash or gift cards.
Pros: Diverse reward options, easy to use
Cons: Slower accumulation of points through games alone

6. Lucktastic (iOS & Android)

Earning Type: Cash prizes and gift cards
How It Works: Scratch virtual cards daily to win cash, tokens, or entries into bigger contests.
Pros: Daily opportunities, no purchase necessary
Cons: Odds of winning big are low, ad-heavy

7. Second Life

Earning Type: Real-world currency (Linden Dollars to USD)
How It Works: Participate in this virtual world through games, services, or trade. Convert earnings to real money.
Pros: Open-ended gameplay, real economy
Cons: Steep learning curve, time-intensive

8. Gamehag

Earning Type: Game codes, skins, gift cards
How It Works: Complete quests and tasks in partner games to earn “Soul Gems” for rewards.
Pros: Unique gamer-focused rewards, supports many games
Cons: Some tasks are time-consuming, occasional delays in rewards

9. HQ Trivia (when active)

Earning Type: Cash payouts
How It Works: Compete in live trivia contests with real money jackpots.
Pros: Fun, fast-paced format; instant winnings
Cons: Sporadic availability, inconsistent payout structure

10. Toluna Influencers

Earning Type: Points for PayPal or gift cards
How It Works: Participate in surveys and mini-games to earn points, redeemable for various rewards.
Pros: Reliable payouts, survey variety
Cons: Game portion is minimal, mostly survey-based

11. AppStation

Earning Type: PayPal cash
How It Works: Discover and play new games to earn coins. Exchange coins for PayPal payouts.
Pros: Automatic tracking, good selection of games
Cons: Android only, earnings decline over time per game

12. Blackout Bingo

Earning Type: Real cash
How It Works: Classic bingo with a twist; compete in Skillz-powered cash tournaments.
Pros: Simple to learn, real cash prizes
Cons: Requires deposit for larger payouts, skill-based matchmaking

13. Givling

Earning Type: Cash (focused on paying off student loans)
How It Works: Trivia app where winnings contribute to crowdfunding student loan payments.
Pros: Social impact, interesting twist on trivia
Cons: Limited to users with student loans, smaller earning pool

14. Rewarded Play (Android Only)

Earning Type: Gift cards
How It Works: Install and play featured apps to earn points for gift card redemptions.
Pros: Easy to use, rewards for casual gameplay
Cons: Android only, no direct cash rewards

15. Buff Game

Earning Type: Gift cards and gaming gear
How It Works: Earn Buff Points while playing supported games like League of Legends or Valorant.
Pros: Runs in background, passive income
Cons: Limited to supported titles, slower earning rate

Some of these apps provide modest earnings, while others offer competitive, high-stakes opportunities. The key is to find the platform that matches your gaming style and desired reward type. Whether you’re looking to fund your next gaming purchase or stash a little extra cash, there’s a money-making app on this list for you.