Introduction
Now, don’t get us wrong—you’re not going to make a full-time income by gaming on your phone for 20 minutes a day. But if you’re looking to make some easy side money in your free time, playing games can definitely help. In this article, we’ll break down how it works, what apps and websites actually pay you, and how to make the most of it. No jargon, no hype—just the facts.
How You Can Actually Get Paid to Play Games
At SurveyBeta, one of the top questions we get is: “Is this real? Can I really make money playing games?” The answer is yes—but it’s not as simple as playing Candy Crush and waiting for money to roll in.
Most of the time, you’re getting paid in one of these ways:
- Points or Coins: These build up as you play and can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
- In-game achievements: Some platforms reward you for reaching certain levels or completing tasks.
- Contests or tournaments: Some apps offer prizes if you rank high enough on leaderboards.
- Referral bonuses: Invite friends to join and you earn extra rewards.
The important thing to remember is that most of these platforms make money from ads or partnerships with game developers, and they pass a small cut of that back to you. That’s how they can afford to pay you.
The Best Apps and Sites That Pay You to Play
Here’s a list of trusted apps and websites—many of which we’ve tested ourselves at SurveyBeta—that actually reward you for playing games.
InboxDollars has been around forever, and it’s one of the most popular sites for earning money online. You can earn cash not just by answering surveys, but also by playing games, watching videos, and doing other simple tasks. The best part? They pay in real money—not points.
This one is a favorite among mobile gamers. You earn points for trying out new games and leveling up in them. The more time you spend playing, the more points you earn. Points can be exchanged for gift cards to Amazon, Google Play, and more.
Swagbucks Live & Swagbucks Live Trivia
Swagbucks is another long-standing rewards site. While it’s known for surveys and cashback shopping, they also run trivia games and give points (called SBs) for certain mobile games. Those points can turn into PayPal cash or gift cards.
This platform hosts real money tournaments for games like solitaire, bubble shooter, and even bingo. If you’re competitive and good at these kinds of games, you can actually win real cash. But fair warning—some Skillz games do require entry fees, so play responsibly.
Gamehag rewards you with “Soul Gems” for completing in-game missions across different free games. You can exchange those gems for gaming-related rewards like Steam credits, skins, and sometimes cash.
What Kind of Games Can You Play?
You don’t need to be a pro gamer to start earning. Most of the games that pay are super casual—think puzzle games, match-3 games, trivia, card games, or even idle clickers. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Puzzle Games: Sudoku, Tetris-style blocks, matching games
- Trivia: Quick games where you answer multiple choice questions
- Casino-Style Games: Slots, bingo, or card games like solitaire (many offer cash competitions)
- Strategy Games: Base-building, turn-based RPGs, or resource management games
- Mobile MMOs and RPGs: Often found on Mistplay, these give you rewards for leveling up or playing daily
In short, you don’t need an expensive console or a gaming PC. Your smartphone is enough to get started.
How Much Can You Really Earn?
We’re going to be honest here—this is not a get-rich-quick thing. In most cases, you’re earning a few bucks here and there. But that adds up, especially if you play in your free time. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect:
- Casual players: $10–$30/month, just by playing in your spare time
- More active users: $50–$100/month, especially if you’re playing multiple apps and referring friends
- Competitive/tournament players: This varies a lot, but some users have earned hundreds by winning competitions on apps like Skillz
The key is consistency. Like we always say at SurveyBeta—treat it like a side hustle, not a full-time job.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
Want to get the most bang for your (gaming) buck? Here are a few simple tips:
- Use more than one app: Many of these platforms let you run in the background. Play on Mistplay while earning from InboxDollars, for example.
- Check for daily bonuses: Many apps give extra points for logging in each day or playing consistently.
- Complete game missions: Look for tasks like “Reach Level 5” or “Finish Tutorial” for quick rewards.
- Refer your friends: Many apps give you bonus points when someone signs up with your code.
- Avoid pay-to-win traps: Some games will try to get you to spend your own money to earn more. Don’t fall for it unless you know what you’re doing.
Is It Safe and Legit?
This is a super important question. At SurveyBeta, we test and review these platforms regularly. Most of the big names we’ve listed are safe, especially those that have been around for a while and pay through trusted platforms like PayPal or Amazon.
That said, here are some red flags to avoid:
- Apps that require upfront payments just to join
- Games that promise hundreds of dollars instantly
- Platforms with tons of ads but no clear way to cash out
- Apps with poor ratings or no customer support
Always read reviews and stick with legit sites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Mistplay to stay safe.
Conclusion
Getting paid to play games is totally possible—and a lot of fun. It’s not going to replace your day job, but it’s a great way to earn a little extra while enjoying yourself. Whether you’re killing time in line, relaxing after work, or just want to try something new, game rewards apps and platforms can turn your downtime into income.
Here at SurveyBeta, we believe in helping you find real, simple ways to make money online. Playing games for rewards is just one of many options—and it’s definitely one of the most fun.
So go ahead. Play smart, stay safe, and turn your game time into payday.