Apps That Actually Pay You to Play Games, Earning $100+ in 2025

Ever dreamed of making money while doing what you love – playing games? Well, guess what? That dream is closer to reality than you might think! In this article, we’re diving into the exciting world of apps that actually pay you to play. Forget grinding for hours without reward; these apps offer a chance to earn real cash, gift cards, and other cool perks just for having fun.

In 2025, the world of mobile gaming is booming, and with it, the opportunities to earn while you play are getting bigger and better. We’ve scouted out the top 10 apps that are legit, fun, and have the potential to put some serious cash in your pocket – we’re talking $100+! Sound too good to be true? Keep reading, and we’ll break down everything you need to know, from earning potential to payment methods, so you can decide if these apps are the real deal for you.

Key Takeaways

• Real Money for Gaming: Yes, you can actually earn real money and gift cards by playing games on your phone.
• Variety of Games: From puzzles to arcade classics, there’s a game out there for almost everyone.
• Earning Potential: While you won’t get rich, earning an extra $100+ per month is achievable with some dedication and the right apps.
• Legit Apps: We’re focusing on apps with real payouts and positive user reviews.
• Things to Consider: We’ll cover the earning potential, payment systems, fees (if any), realistic income expectations, and requirements for each app.

Ready to level up your gaming and your wallet? Let’s jump into the top apps that pay you to play!

Top 9 Apps That Pay You for Your Game Time

Ready to turn your game time into pay time? Here are 10 apps making waves in 2025 that offer real rewards for playing games. Remember, earning potential varies, and it’s all about finding the apps that fit your gaming style and time commitment.

1. Mistplay

Mistplay focuses on Android games and offers a wide variety, including strategy, puzzle, arcade, and more. They constantly update their game library, so there’s always something new to try.

1. • Earning Potential: You earn units for playing games, which can be redeemed for gift cards from major retailers like Amazon, Google Play, and Visa. Earning potential varies based on the game and your playtime, but dedicated users can earn around $50-$100 per month.
   • Payment System: Gift cards.
   • Fees: No fees to use the app.
   • Realistic Income: Don’t expect to quit your day job, but earning $50-$100 extra per month is realistic if you play regularly. Some users report earning even more.
   • Facts & Evidence: Mistplay boasts over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store and has paid out millions of dollars to its users.

2. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a well-known rewards platform that offers various ways to earn, including playing games. They have a mix of classic games, arcade-style games, and even trivia games.

1. • Earning Potential: You earn “SB” points for playing games, completing surveys, watching videos, and more. SB points can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or gift cards. Gaming is just one way to earn, so your overall potential can be higher if you engage in other activities on the platform.
   • Payment System: PayPal, Gift cards.
   • Fees: No fees to join or use Swagbucks.
   • Realistic Income: Gaming alone on Swagbucks might not make you rich, but combined with other earning activities, $50-$150+ per month is possible.
   • Facts & Evidence: Swagbucks has been around for years and has paid out hundreds of millions of dollars to its members.

3. Gamehag

Gamehag is specifically designed for gamers. It features a wide range of online games, including MMOs, strategy games, and mobile games. You earn “Soul Gems” for playing and completing tasks within games.

1. • Earning Potential: Soul Gems can be exchanged for gift cards, game keys, prepaid Mastercards, and even gaming gear. If you’re already into online gaming, Gamehag can be a great way to earn rewards for your existing hobby.
   • Payment System: Gift cards, prepaid cards, game keys, gaming gear.
   • Fees: No fees to use Gamehag.
   • Realistic Income: If you’re an active gamer and participate in Gamehag’s tasks and contests, you could potentially earn $50-$100+ per month in rewards, especially if you choose higher-value items like game keys or gear.
   • Facts & Evidence: Gamehag has a strong community focus and regularly hosts contests and events to boost earning potential.

4. MyPoints

MyPoints, like Swagbucks, is a rewards platform with multiple earning options, including playing games. They offer a selection of online and mobile games, often including classic arcade titles and card games.

1. • Earning Potential: You earn points for playing games, taking surveys, shopping online, and more. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
   • Payment System: PayPal, Gift cards.
   • Fees: No fees to join or use MyPoints.
   • Realistic Income: Similar to Swagbucks, gaming on MyPoints is one of many earning avenues. Active users who combine gaming with other activities can aim for $50-$100+ per month.
   • Facts & Evidence: MyPoints is another long-standing rewards platform with a solid reputation and numerous ways to earn.

5. InboxDollars

InboxDollars focuses on cash rewards and offers a variety of ways to earn, including playing games. Their game selection includes arcade games, card games, and sometimes even popular mobile game integrations.

1. • Earning Potential: You earn real cash for playing games, completing surveys, watching videos, and more. InboxDollars is known for paying in cash rather than points, which many users find appealing.
   • Payment System: PayPal, Check, Gift cards.
   • Fees: No fees to join or use InboxDollars.
   • Realistic Income: InboxDollars, like Swagbucks and MyPoints, offers gaming as one of several earning methods. Active users who engage in multiple activities can potentially earn $50-$100+ per month.
   • Facts & Evidence: InboxDollars claims to have paid out over $80 million in cash rewards to its members.

6. AppKarma

AppKarma focuses on offering you rewards for trying out new apps, which often include games. You earn points for downloading and playing featured apps and completing specific tasks within them.

• Earning Potential: You earn points which can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards. AppKarma is known for having relatively high payout rates compared to some other apps.
• Payment System: PayPal, Gift cards.
• Fees: No fees to use AppKarma.
• Realistic Income: With consistent participation and taking advantage of higher-paying offers, earning $50-$100+ per month is achievable.
• Facts & Evidence: AppKarma has a tiered reward system, offering bonuses for daily check-ins and achieving higher Karma levels, further increasing earning potential.

7. Cashyy

Cashyy is an Android app that focuses on partnering with game developers to offer users rewards for playing new mobile games. You’ll find a variety of genres, similar to Mistplay.

• Earning Potential: You earn coins for playing games, which can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards. Cashyy is known for having a good selection of games and decent earning rates.
• Payment System: PayPal, Gift cards.
• Fees: No fees to use Cashyy.
• Realistic Income: Consistent players on Cashyy can realistically aim for $50-$100+ per month, especially by focusing on games with higher reward multipliers and participating in special events.
• Facts & Evidence: Cashyy emphasizes discovering new and exciting games, making it appealing for gamers who enjoy trying out different genres and titles.

8. ClipClaps

ClipClaps is an entertainment app that includes games alongside videos, memes, and other content. Games are often simple and casual, designed for quick play.

• Earning Potential: You earn “Coins” for playing games, watching videos, and engaging with content. Coins can be converted to cash via PayPal or gift cards. ClipClaps is known for having a lottery/reward system that can be somewhat unpredictable.
• Payment System: PayPal, Gift cards.
• Fees: No fees to use ClipClaps.
• Realistic Income: Earnings on ClipClaps can be variable and generally lower compared to dedicated gaming apps. While some users might get lucky with larger rewards, expecting a consistent $100+ per month from gaming alone on ClipClaps is unlikely. It’s more of a “small earnings with entertainment” app.
• Facts & Evidence: ClipClaps gained popularity for its viral video content and gamified reward system, attracting users looking for entertainment and small earning opportunities.

9. Brain Battle

Brain Battle focuses on trivia games and puzzles. It’s designed for users who enjoy brain training and competitive quiz formats.

• Earning Potential: You earn tickets for playing trivia games, and tickets are entered into daily and weekly cash prize drawings. Brain Battle is based on a lottery system, so earnings are dependent on winning drawings.
• Payment System: PayPal.
• Fees: No fees to use Brain Battle.
• Realistic Income: Income is highly variable and dependent on luck in the drawings. While the app advertises large prize pools, the odds of winning significant amounts are low. Consistent $100+ monthly income is not realistic for most users. It’s best to see Brain Battle as a fun trivia game with a chance to win small cash prizes.
• Facts & Evidence: Brain Battle is part of the broader Winrgames network of apps, which focuses on skill-based games and prize drawings.

Requirements to Start Earning

Ready to jump in and start earning? Here’s a general overview of what you’ll typically need to get started:

• Smartphone or Computer: Most of these apps are available on smartphones (both Android and iOS), while some, like Gamehag, are web-based and playable on computers.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for downloading and playing games, as well as for app functionality.
• Account Creation: You’ll need to create an account with each app, usually providing an email address or connecting through social media.
• Age Requirement: Most apps have age restrictions, typically requiring users to be 18 years or older. Some may allow users 13+ with parental consent. Always check the specific app’s terms of service.
• Location: Some apps may have geographical restrictions and be primarily focused on users in specific regions like the United States. Our list focuses on apps popular in the US.
• Time and Dedication: Earning money requires time and effort. Be prepared to dedicate consistent playtime to see your earnings grow.

Tips to Maximize Your Earnings

Want to boost your earnings and make the most of these apps? Here are some pro tips:

• Play Consistently: Regular playtime is key. Set aside dedicated gaming time each day or week to maximize your earnings.
• Explore Different Games: Don’t stick to just one game. Experiment with different games within each app to find those that offer better earning rates and are enjoyable for you.
• Use Multiple Apps: Diversify your earnings by using several apps simultaneously. This can significantly increase your overall income.
• Take Advantage of Bonuses and Offers: Pay attention to bonus offers, daily challenges, referral programs, and contests within each app. These are designed to boost your earnings.
• Read the Fine Print: Understand the earning mechanics, payout thresholds, and terms of service for each app. This will help you optimize your strategy and avoid any surprises.
• Be Patient: Earning money with these apps is a gradual process. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see huge payouts immediately. Consistency is key!