Mobile Games That Earn Money
5 Ways that Mobile Games Make Money
Written by: Simon Batt
Earn money by playing games without investment. In this, you get plenty of mobile games, starting from trivia to action-packed game. Participate in tournaments and win a cash amount. The best part about it is that you make money for playing them. This is a unique opportunity to discover the best mobile games AND earn cash. We also offer amazing deals as well as letting you watch videos, complete surveys and check out new apps. Simply download a game you like in the app PlaySpot. Play and Make Money.
You’ve just finished up your first mobile game. You’ve designed all the levels, finalized the art and applied all the finishing touches. If you’re making a game for fun or practice, you might be able to stop here; someone who wants to make a profit from mobile games, however, have a problem on their hands. How can this game make money? Thankfully, there are a variety of ways mobile games make money! Let’s take a look at some of the more common methods:
1. Free With Ads
This option is one of the most popular ways to turn a profit. The game is put onto the store for free, but contains in-game advertising to cover the costs. While this is a very popular means, it has to be done with caution. A lot of consideration has to be made on where and when the ads display. Too little and it won’t turn a profit; too many, and it will drive people away. Poor ad placement can even interfere with the game and cause frustration.
If you choose this method, consider the genre of your game and the best place to put the ads. If your game has levels, you can place ads after a level is completed. If your game has short levels, space them out accordingly to give the player a suitable break. Static games such as crosswords can have a small ad banner at the bottom without being too obtrusive.
2. Free with Premium Options
Also known as ‘Freemium’, these games are free and offer a permanent “premium option” for a small cost. Perhaps you can offer no ads, or infinite lives, or unlimited hints. Once the player pays the fee, they get that bonus forever. This is a nice way for players to show support for a game through a one-off payment for an improved quality of life. While it won’t earn you as much money as repeat payment methods or ads, it’s an unobtrusive income earner that doesn’t leave a bad taste in the player’s mouth.
3. In-Game Currency
An in-game currency bought with real money is a popular method used in ‘gacha’ games, where players can purchase credits to spend on a lottery-based system. If you take this path, you can work in discounts for players who are willing to spend a large amount of money on your game. It’s also nice to have some means of earning the currency through in-game means as well, to help players who aren’t so well-off.
4. Ads On Demand
Sometimes the best way to show ads is to make the users want them! You could set up a way for users to watch an ad in exchange for an in-game bonus. This can be an extra chance at a level after the player has lost their last life, or for some in-game currency so the player can buy items. You could even offer an ad in exchange for a boon to help the player through a level.
If you’re allowing users to request ads in exchange for in-game currency that’s usually purchased with real money, consider how many ads you want the player to be allowed to watch per day. Perhaps you want to restrict it to one ad per hour to encourage actual payments between ads. Alternatively, you can take the restrictions off the ad-watching and simply allow your players to earn as much currency as they like; if you take this route, you should tweak the reward rate to benefit both you and the player equally.
5. Paid Apps
There is also the option to have your app as a paid app, so people have to pay in order to gain access to your game. While this has worked for some people, studies have shown that paid apps are quickly losing favor against their free-to-play brethren. As such, while a paid app is a potential way for you to make money from a game, it’s not an ideal one.
Who wouldn't want to make money playing games online while sitting at home on the couch?
If you are ready to have some fun making money from home, then keep on reading. There are so many opportunities to use new online gaming sources to generate gaming-based income. Not only are there different sources for making money, but there are also different ways and formats!
You can earn cash rewards by playing mobile games, taking surveys, and shopping online. Nothing is more satisfying than when you earn gift cards and other rewards or get that extra cash via PayPal.
Sit back, relax, and check out our top money making apps to earn free cash playing your favorite games from home!
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Apps to Play Games for Money
- 2 Best Game Apps to Win Real Money
- 3 Additional Apps that Pay You to Play Games
- 4 Alternative Apps to Earn Free Money
- 5 More Ways to Play Games for Money
- 5.3 Play Games for Money FAQ
Best Apps to Play Games for Money
1. Mistplay
This application actually pays you to play online games. Mistplay is an Android-specific application that offers users the opportunity to play video games in exchange for monetary reward.
The app launched in 2017, focusing on providing users an environment in which they can participate in games in exchange for prizes. Through the earning of points, users can join in in-app games to receive gift cards to various retailers such as Amazon, Google Play, and even virtual Visa gift cards!
With Mistplay, you are eligible to start earning money from the minute you start playing online games. You can even play with friends and level up your avatar to unlock achievements and earn units faster. They also support user communications and staying connected by offering a chat feature, encouraging connections amongst participants.
Another important note is that users will not pay any fees to download, join, or play games in Mistplay. Play certain games and make money online today!
2. Lucktastic
Lucktastic is like a virtual scratch-off ticket. Just download the app, and you'll get free tickets to play every day.
You can use your tickets to try to win huge cash prizes, like $5,000, $10,000, or more! If you earn anything between $1 and $100, you can redeem it with a Dwolla account.
Apps To Earn Money Games
The best thing about this app is that you still earn points every time you play, even if you don't win a cash prize.
Those points can later be redeemed for gift cards to Amazon, Restaurant.com, and more.
New: Gamehag
Play free online games to collect Soul Gems and exchange them for rewards! Earn free Robux, Steam Wallet, Prepaid Mastercard, and more!
Play games, Complete tasks, Get rewarded!
Best Game Apps to Win Real Money
Are you looking to win real cash playing your favorite video games? Mobile game lovers can get paid cash rewards and gift cards every day with these free apps.
3. Lucky Level
Lucky Level brings you free scratch cards and even a spinning wheel for a chance to win money and gift cards. Play tens of scratcher cards every day for your chance to win up to $1,000. Thousands of players have already enjoyed risk-free winning experiences. Spin the LUCKY WHEEL and enter our WEEKLY RAFFLES for even more chances at winning cash and gift cards.
- Win money: the more you scratch, the better your chances! Receive payment directly into your Paypal account
- Get gift cards: redeem the tokens you earn every day for gift cards from your favorite brands.
- Free to play: no purchase nor deposit necessary
- Compete on daily leaderboards: earn tokens by finishing up on top of the daily leaderboard.
- New scratch cards are released 3 times a day.
- New raffles every week: there's always a winner!
4. Wizard of Oz Slots
Wizard of Oz Slots is the only FREE Vegas-style game from The Emerald City!
Play new games with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they travel the Yellow Brick Road to see the Wizard of Oz.
Relive the classic movie and win HUGE PAYOUTS with FREE SPINS and MEGA WILDS in all-new casino machines.
Collect millions of free credits every day and keep spinning to get bonus credits in the best free machine games around!
- Wizard of Oz Slots (IOS)
- Wizard of Oz Slots (Android)
5. Game of Thrones Slot Casino
Winter is coming.
The great houses of Westeros are preparing themselves for an all-new adventure: Game of Thrones Slots Casino.
Are you ready to spin the machines on your way to the ultimate glory: The Iron Throne?
Test your skill in one of the most immersive machine games to come out of the Seven Kingdoms. Relive memorable moments by experiencing machines with classic sights, sounds, and beautiful art, all based on Game of Thrones!
Dive into a mix of classic games and enjoy never-before-seen social features, where teamwork on the machines can aid your quest to sit on the Iron Throne.
6. My Konami Slots
The thrill of winning is in the palm of your hand. Play top-ranked My KONAMI Slots anytime you feel the need for a little social casino fun or a quick escape. My KONAMI features some of your very favorite machines straight off the casino floor.
Download the app for iOS to play free social casino games and start having fun in so many ways, including free spins, big bonuses, progressive jackpots, and working your way up in VIP status.
Play My Konami Slots (IOS Only)
7. Willy Wonka Slots
Willy Wonka Slots is your lucky ticket to FREE authentic, casino-style games and the iconic cast of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! Spin to win amazing prizes in this scrumptious free game!
Create your very own garden of crazy Wonka creations in Sweet Candy Crops, our newest mini-game. Spin in machines to find the best seeds, plant, grow, and watch the Credits roll in!
Play is sweeter than ever with free games, fun mini-games, and slot machines! Join Charlie as he tours the most eccentric and unusual candy factory of all, Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
8.DoubleDown Casino Slots
Casino action thrills are free—and right at your fingertips!—in the world's biggest social game app.
Win big on over 100 authentic machines, from 3-reel classics to the latest Las Vegas hits, and the same name-brand Video Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette you know and love from the floor.
9. Zynga Poker
Join one of the world's most popular online poker games with more tables, more cash tournaments, more jackpots, and more players to challenge than ever!
It’s so easy getting paid to play poker game tournaments with Zynga Poker! Whether you prefer casual Texas Holdem Poker or competitive tournaments, Zynga Poker is your home for authentic gameplay.
Play Zynga Poker (Android Only)
10. InboxDollars
InBoxDollars is a cash-based online rewards club. It’s one of the best survey sites. It's been an established and well-known company that pays for easy online activities, like taking online market research surveys, watching videos, reading advertising emails, searching the web, and completing offers playing games, printing coupons, and more.
They offer a generous $5 bonus for signing up with a payout amount of $30 via check, card, or gift card.
11. MyPoints
MyPoints is a platform that allows you to earn gift cards for answering surveys, playing free games, watching videos, and many other online activities!
MyPoints will also pay you to shop online! When you shop online at over 2,000 top retailers like Walmart, eBay, and Amazon, earn gift cards.
Cash-out your points whenever you want for your favorite gift card or get a transfer to your PayPal account.
You're going to buy things regardless, so you may as well buy them through MyPoints to save money and earn that gift card!
- $5 Sign-up Bonus: Complete five surveys.
- $10 Task Bonus: Make your first purchase of $20 or more and receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card.
Additional Apps that Pay You to Play Games
12. Swag IQ
Do you love the thrill of a good game show? Check out the free Swag IQ app for the chance to test your knowledge on a live trivia game show. You can earn playing video games and a grand prize if you answer all questions correctly.
In true game show format, you'll be presented with a series of trivia questions and multiple-choice answers for each one. You get only 10 seconds to select your answer. Be sure to choose before the 10 seconds run out, or you'll be out of the running for the grand prize.
Even if you don't make it to the top, you can earn Swag IQ's digital currency for answering questions correctly. You can use it to get a second chance to win the grand prize or redeem for cash or gift cards.
13. Bananatic
If you would like to be one of the first to play a new game and provide your feedback, check out Bananatic. Game developers use this app for testing their latest games and getting reviews and suggestions on improvements.
It's also a fun community of gamers who can meet each other through the app, discuss the games, bugs, game development, and so on. What is more, you get rewarded in the game's virtual currency for playing new games, advancing levels, and writing reviews.
You can redeem your winnings for digital content, premium games, and even gift cards.
14. PerkTV
Like Swagbucks, Perk offers lots of ways to earn points: watch videos, take quizzes, play games, search the web, shop, and more. Each feature has its app, and like Swagbucks, but the app you want to use is Perk TV,
It rewards points for watching videos. Watching videos earns you minimal (a point or two each, which amounts to fractions of a penny); you can run Perk TV on your phone, and it will autoplay videos while you do other things, making it one of the lowest effort apps on this list.
If you use it regularly, that can result in some genuine cash over a month.
15. CashCrate
CashCrate is another reliable get-paid-to site where you can take surveys online, play games, and perform different tasks to earns a few dollars.
The sign-up process is surprisingly easy, and luckily also FREE! You can expect to get 2-3 survey invites every day. Furthermore, if you want to take part in more, you can always visit their website where dozens are available.
Spend some time on this append you can make some extra cash to enjoy a fancy meal or buy a movie ticket for friends on a Friday night.
16. VeryDice
VeryDice is a free mobile app that pays you to roll dice from your smartphone. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to earn money playing games, this is by far one of the best ways to go.
When you first register for the app, you're given 50 freerolls. Each time you roll, you're given a certain amount of “tickets” that can be used to exchange to earn real cash prizes (shipping is always free).
17. HQ
Do you love showing off your trivia knowledge? If that's the case, you should give HQ a try. This fun, fast-paced trivia game allows you to compete and win cash prizes. Players have 10 seconds to answer each multiple-choice question.
The app takes the form of a live game show, which airs at 9 p.m. Eastern Time daily. There's usually another show at 3 p.m. Eastern on weekdays as well. You'll need to answer 12 questions to be entered to win the grand prize, which goes to the person who answers all of them correctly.
However, if multiple people answer all questions correctly, the prize is split between all respective winners. Daily prizes go up to $5,000, with a $25,000 prize on Sundays. Occasionally, prizes can be much higher — up to $400,000.
The HQ app is available on Google Play and in the iTunes App Store.
18. PCHGames
The Publishers Clearing House or PCH runs this app for short. Go to PCHGames to get access to scratch cards and instant win games where you could win up to $2,500.
Some of the games available within the app include mahjong, solitaire, slots, and more. You'll earn tokens that can be used to enter prize drawings. If you're fortunate, you could win prizes up to $1 million.
Aside from getting lucky with a top prize, you can also redeem your points for fun giveaways such as gift cards and merchandise.
19. Long Game
While Long games can be a fun way to pass the time, it can also help you achieve your financial goals. To get started, you need to verify your identity and link your bank account to the app.
Next up, you need to set a savings goal, such as saving for a car down payment. Then decide on how much you want to be added to your account each payday. Every time you add money to your account, you'll earn coins to play games for cash prizes.
All the money you're putting into your in-app savings account belongs to you. The account is FDIC-insured for an added layer of protection and peace of mind.
20. Brain Battle
Brain Battle has already given away tens of thousands of dollars to lucky players. They do this by sharing back a portion of the advertising revenue with one lucky winner. There are no in-app purchases and no paying to win.
All you need to do is download this free app and play any games to collect tickets. You need to get at least one ticket to be entered into the cash prize drawings. The more tickets you have, the higher your chance of winning the grand prize. The money is paid out through a Paypal money transfer.
Brain Battle is available in the Google Play Store and iTunes App Store.
21. Gamesville
Gamesville is a free web-based gaming website on the internet. You get awarded GV rewards for playing and winning games and getting high scores. From there, you can get your GV rewards into cash and other awesome prizes.
Additionally, Gamesville offers pure cash competitions for those who do not want to earn the GV rewards.
22. WorldWinner
WorldWinner is a skill-based gaming website that allows you to compete against other people for real money.
You can play in heads-up matches against other people or participate in large tournaments for cash prizes. The games list at WorldWinner includes a variety of arcade-style games, card games, sports games, strategy games, and word games.
Some familiars such as Bejeweled 2, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Tetris, Spades, and Scrabble.
This website does require a deposit of $5, 10, or 20 at a time to begin to test your skills.
23. Verasity Gamestore
With Verasity, for every minute of gaming, players will receive digital tokens that are exchangeable to Amazon vouchers and many other rewards. There are already thousands of games available from more than 550 game publishers, ensuring a wide variety of genres.
The platform is part of the Verasity. Tv online portal, which also hosts a Watch&Earn program and several B2B tools. Publishers use Verasity's's rewarding-technology to improve aspects such as engagement and monetization.
With the Verasity GameStore, you can play as a single-player, try a PVP game, or even create your tournaments and challenge your friends worldwide, right from your living room.
Alternative Apps to Earn Free Money
What's better than being a paid game player??? How about stacking your game winnings with cash back apps for big-time cash. These apps help you earn automatic cash back when shopping online.
24. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an excellent rewards site that gives you many ways, free gaming included, to earn Swagbucks to redeem for tons of gift cards or PayPal cash.
It's even better now that it's on mobile and you can earn rewards wherever you go!
If you shop online with your mobile device, you can visit Swagbucks first to check its cashback offers. Click on them before you shop to earn a percentage of your purchase order back in the form of Swagbucks!
There are several gift cards to choose from to please just about any interest! These include Walmart, Target, and Visa.
25. Fetch Rewards
The Fetch Rewards App is a free mobile app that gives you cashback for taking pictures of your grocery receipts. The main difference between Fetch Rewards and other receipt scanning apps is that it doesn't matter where you buy your product.
Each time you scan your grocery receipt, you are given a specific amount of points. The amount of points you earn depends on the offers that are on your receipt.
The points you earn can be converted into real cash prizes such as gift cards to popular retailers such as Amazon, CVS, and Target. You can also choose to donate your earnings to the Red Cross. You need a minimum of 3,000 points (USD 3) to cash out.
26. Rakuten
Another favorite way to get a gift card is by shopping with Rakuten. This is a one-time deal in terms of gift cards, but you can continue getting cash back from nearly any online purchase.
When you first sign-up for Rakuten, you can choose to receive a $10 Walmart gift card or a $10 Rakuten cash back bonus.
You receive the bonus after making your first $25 purchase with Rakuten.
It is possible to earn cash back from over 2,000 online stores and at over 30 brick and mortar retailers. Your gift card will ship once you complete your first purchase.
Otherwise, Rakuten will send your cash back rewards by mail or PayPal every quarter each time you earn $5 in your cash back balance. It’s a great way to earn some money easily!
27. Ibotta
Ibotta is a great app that helps you save on your groceries, which is a substantial monthly expense for most people!
Not only can you save money on your purchases, but you can also make extra money by completing bonuses!
It's easy to make money with Ibotta, especially when you team up with your friends.
You and your team can earn money together and qualify for more bonuses when you meet specific goals each month.
Mobile Games That Earn Money Games
You only need $20 in your Ibotta account to redeem it for PayPal cash or your choice of gift cards.
Download Ibotta on the App Store or Google Play. If you're a new member, you can get a free $10 just for signing up!
28. FeaturePoints
The FeaturePoints app helps you learn about new apps you might like to use on your iOS or Android device.
You can earn points just for downloading partnered apps, but you'll receive even more if you try them out for a bit.
This app rewards you with various gift cards to places like Amazon, PayPal, and Xbox. You can also choose to use your points to get paid games for free!
The referral program here is excellent, so be sure to invite your friends.
Free Games To Earn Money
You'll earn 50% of everything they make after signing up using your code.
Mobile Games That Earn Money Online
29. Toluna
The popular survey site, Toluna, is on both Google Play and the App Store.
You can join the Toluna community to participate in polls and online surveys where you'll get to share your opinions on various subjects.
Toluna gives you points for participating, which you can then redeem for cash or a variety of gift cards, including Redbox, Banana Republic, Overstock, and Groupon.
Toluna also has daily sweepstakes that give you a chance to win cash or prizes!
30. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a website where users to take surveys in exchange for points that can be redeemed for gift cards or a deposit into your account. Signing up for the site is quick and painless; you can use your plus account or your email to log in
While playing new mobile games, you will be presented with surveys to complete in exchange for monetary rewards. Sound simple? That's because it is!
More Ways to Play Games for Money
Stream on Twitch
Twitch is a streaming platform where millions of people come together, live every day to chat, interact, and make entertainment together. Twitch is a subsidiary of Amazon and serves as the leading video live streaming service.
Mainly, the service is for streaming video games, whether live or broadcasting previously recorded games. If you want to know more about Twitch, check out this more detailed post.
Apps that Pay
Now you have a ton of options to start earning cash rewards with all those money-making apps!
We have provided you with the best apps with free games to start making money while having fun. The best part? You aren't limited to just the games. You can try taking surveys, shopping, scanning receipts, and even streaming on Twitch!
How you decided to make that extra money is entirely up to you. You can try one or try them all!
Let us know your favorites in the comments!
Play Games for Money FAQ
What Apps Pay You Real Money to Play Games?
There is a wide selection! Swagbucks, Mistplay, Perk TV, and many more!
What Game App Pays the Most?
Swagbucks is the higher with a $5 payout and many ways to earn.
Can You Win Money on Game Apps?
You sure can! Check out some prime ones on the list like Mistplay and Swagbucks!
What Apps Let You Win Real Money?
If you are looking for straight cash, check out Swag IQ.