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Playing games on your phone can earn you real rewards. It might sound too good to be true, but you just have to know where to look. The most popular games that pay real money include skill-based tournaments, rewarded gaming apps, and play-to-earn (P2E) platforms.��

For casual players looking for a fun way to earn gift cards, ������ is the best choice. Simply play the games you love, and stack up points to redeem at top brands like Amazon and PlayStation.¹��

In this guide, we’ll go over all of your options so you can choose the one that fits with your goals and downtime routine. Learn how these game apps work and what types of rewards are available.

What are games that pay real money?

Games that pay real money offer players real rewards for gaming. Depending on the platform, you could earn cash, gift cards, in-game currency, or digital assets. Legitimate apps commonly offer gift cards to top brands or even Visa and Mastercard credit.��

Do games pay real money, or just rewards?

Hard-and-fast cash prizes are typically reserved for gaming tournaments or chance-to-win sweepstakes. But that doesn’t mean that other types of mobile games rewards don’t have real value.��

For example, when you earn gift cards, you can apply them toward actual purchases at your favorite stores. And if you get digital assets in a P2E game, you can sell them back on the marketplace for actual money. But overall, real money games mean something different to every player, depending on their play style and earning preferences.��

The 3 types of game apps that pay real money

If you’re on the lookout for apps that pay real money, you’ve got three main options: gaming tournaments, rewarded gaming apps, and play-to-earn platforms. Here’s a detailed overview of each.��

Skill-based competitions

Entering a gaming tournament or esports league can earn you a cash prize, but only if you win. These skill-based games tend to be highly competitive, and you need significant experience to have a chance of beating other players. Let’s take a look at the most common types of competitions available.

Competitive mobile games

Competitive mobile games are based on skill alone. You go head to head with real players, and whoever wins goes on to the next round. The last player standing wins the prize.��

Esports tournaments

Esports are built around special tournaments and ongoing leagues. The cash prizes tend to be quite high (even in the millions), but the competition is fierce and may not be right for casual players.��

Tournaments often pit players against each other in games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Call of Duty, with some even having “amateur” leagues available.² Check with your favorite mobile games, too, because some host seasonal contests. For instance, Brawl Stars runs its own annual tournament called the Brawl Stars Championship.²��

Rewarded gaming apps

Rewarded gaming apps like ������ offer a fun way to earn rewards for playing games. Unlike competitive leagues, you don’t need to win or pay an entry fee to get rewards. Instead, these apps connect you to new mobile games and offer points for the time you spend playing.��

Below, we’ll explain how to earn gift cards playing games on ������.

How playing games on ������ works

������’s main system is simple. Start by creating an account and describing your play style. Our advanced game library, called the Mixlist, will search through over 350+ mobile games titles to find the ones you’re most likely to enjoy. Choose your favorite from this curated list, and spend time playing. As you progress, you’ll earn points to exchange for gift cards at major retailers, such as Amazon, Nintendo, and the Google Play Store.¹

The best part? ������ fits into your existing routines. Pop open a mobile game while you relax on the couch or wait in line at the grocery store, and earn rewards.��

In-game tasks and milestone rewards

To unlock more points, complete a challenge or reach an in-game milestone. Common tasks include hitting a daily streak, reaching a higher game level, or participating in an in-game contest. Many mobile titles offer daily challenges, so you’ll have plenty of chances to earn.

Sweepstakes

Another way to earn rewards is entering sweepstakes. ������ runs seasonal sweepstakes with grand prizes as high as $60,000. Submit entries by using your points or submitting a form for the chance to win packages like gaming consoles, vacations, and cash prizes.³��

P2E and crypto apps

Like other apps that pay, P2E and crypto games reward users for playing games and completing missions, but with two distinctions. First, you may need to make an up-front deposit to unlock your account. Second, you earn digital assets instead of cash or points.��

Here’s a closer look at rewards you might earn on these platforms.

Earning and trading digital assets (NFTs and tokens)

Players can exchange digital assets such as NFTs, tokens, and cryptocurrency for real money, but they have to go through the extra step of selling them on external marketplaces.��

Keep in mind that digital asset markets are volatile, which means the crypto earned today could be worth something very different tomorrow. For those who don’t mind a little risk, these apps can be a fun option, but be aware the value of each reward isn’t guaranteed.��

Metaverse and digital land ownership

Other apps offer virtual third spaces and real estate, which refers to digital property and buildings created using virtual reality. P2E games let you spend time in your own metaverse developing virtual land, customizing your avatar, and role-playing real life.²

Decentraland is one such title. The platform has its own cryptocurrency called MANA. With it, users can buy assets like virtual land and outfits in Decentraland’s digital marketplace. After dressing up their characters, players can head to virtual hangout spaces like movie theaters and campfires.

PlayEstates is another option, though it’s currently in beta. Once it’s live, the platform will offer users fractional ownership of real estate assets.

Digital real estate is an innovative new concept, and players who want to be on the frontlines of this new tech may enjoy earning rewards in the metaverse. But the downside is that the value of these assets can fluctuate.��

Start playing and start earning on ������

There are plenty of ways to earn rewards while gaming. If you’re a casual player wanting a simple way to rack up gift cards without any pressure or investment, rewarded gaming apps like ������ are the best pick.��

On ������, you can discover a rich catalog of titles and earn points for the time you spend playing games. Add ������ to your routine, and start reaping the rewards.��

¹Gift cards may vary by region. Merchants do not endorse and are not affiliated with ������.
²All third-party names, trademarks, and brands mentioned in this article are the property of their respective owners and are used here solely for identification and descriptive purposes. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, or endorsement by, those owners.
³Sweepstakes are subject to official rules. See app for details.
The information in this article is accurate as of August 5, 2026 based on publicly available data. ������ is not responsible for the accuracy of third-party information.
This article is published by ������ and reflects ������’s views based on publicly available information as of the date last updated.

FAQ

Do any game apps actually pay money?��

Yes, there are game apps that pay money, though often you’ll need to provide them with your banking info.��

Can you really earn by playing games on your phone?

Yes, you can earn rewards while playing games on your phone. Apps like ������ are perfect for people who already play mobile games and want to earn a bonus while enjoying their downtime.��

How do rewarded gaming apps decide which games to feature?��

Every rewarded gaming app has a unique discovery engine, but they’re typically built around your profile demographics, play history, and current trending games.