Game Apps That Pay Real Money: Know the Truth, Not the Hype
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Play games, get paid. There are mobile apps that promise consumers this.
How can these apps pay you to play games? In many cases, you're making them money by watching ads and filling out surveys between games. Your earnings will probably be a few cents a day, and payouts are generally made once you earn a minimum amount, like $5. Even that can take quite a while, according to app reviews.
Here’s what you should know before downloading.
What are game apps that pay real money?
We researched some of the most popular apps in the category of "pay me to play games for free." The results were a mixed bag: some happy players, and many times, an equal number of complaints.
Swagbucks, InboxDollars and Cash Giraffe are just a few of many apps that advertise that they pay cash for play. For many pay-for-play apps, users are asked to complete surveys, watch videos and play games. If you’re expecting to play games uninterrupted, you might be disappointed.
Some apps, such as Mistplay, let you earn "units" redeemable for gift cards while playing various games, including slots, cards and battles. You may find a chat function allowing a social connection to fellow players.
Pay-to-play app reviews are mixed
Some players report getting small or no winnings.
A reviewer of one app says, “I used this app on and off for years but ... the surveys were always garbage and always say they’ll only take a few minutes but take ages and rarely reward what they say because they’ll disqualify you after you spend 20+ minutes answering questions and then grant you pennies (if anything) for your time.”
Others are fans despite some frustrations.
Another reviewer of the same app says it is "chock full of gimmicks and ways to earn enough points to get gift cards. They run the gamut from ridiculously easy to almost impossible, but overall it’s worth it."
So, if you have the time, energy and interest and want to earn extra money, you can consider one of these apps. But, if you think you'll be too impatient, there are other ways to make fast cash.
Game apps that pay real money: before you play
Game apps that pay money can seem too good to be true. And sometimes they are. Some unscrupulous providers can postpone payoffs by preventing you from reaching your payout target. Some high-profile game apps have shut down with little notice, leaving users wondering about their prizes.
Complaints about these pay-me-to-play apps often mention delayed or nonexistent payouts or the fact that you have to play so many hours for chump change. Do your research and read reviews before you download any new apps.
Protect yourself by not counting on the prizes — just be pleasantly surprised when you actually do get one — and don't provide personal information beyond what the apps require to monitor your playing activity. And look for payments issued by email, such as gift cards, or PayPal, so that you can protect your financial information.
Perhaps most importantly: Make sure monetary payouts are legal where you live. Read the app's fine print and look up your state laws online.
