If you search the Apple App Store for “games that pay real money,” you will be bombarded by thousands of flashy casino apps and puzzle games making impossible promises. Apple’s strict developer guidelines make it incredibly difficult for legitimate cash-reward apps to operate, which means the platform is unfortunately full of scams.
However, there is a verified handful of legit game apps that pay real money for iOS.
To succeed on an iPhone, you need to understand the two different types of money-making apps available in the US, UK, and Canada: Reward Platforms (where you get paid to download and test free games) and Skill-Based Tournaments (where you compete against other players for cash pools).
Here are the top 5 legitimate iOS gaming apps that actually pay out to PayPal and Apple Pay.
1. Solitaire Cash: Best for Skill-Based Card Players
Developed by Papaya Gaming, Solitaire Cash has dominated the App Store charts for years. It takes the classic Klondike Solitaire game and turns it into a fast-paced, competitive eSport.
- App Store Rating: 4.6/5 (380K+ Reviews)
- How it Works: You are matched with players of the same skill level. You all receive the exact same deck of cards. The player who clears the board fastest (or earns the most points before the timer runs out) wins the cash prize pool.
- The Payout: You can withdraw your winnings directly to PayPal or Apple Pay.
- The Catch (Read This): While you can play for free using in-game “gems,” participating in the large cash tournaments requires you to deposit your own money (usually $1 to $5 entry fees). Furthermore, cash tournaments are legally prohibited in states like Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, South Carolina, and Washington.
2. Freecash: Best for Zero-Deposit Gaming
If you do not want to risk your own money in tournaments, Freecash is the ultimate alternative. While famous on Android, their iOS web-app optimization is highly lucrative for iPhone users.
- Official Website: Freecash.com
- How it Works: Freecash partners with mobile game developers who want more players. You are paid to download games from the App Store (like Monopoly GO! or Royal Match) and reach specific levels within a certain timeframe.
- The Payout: Once you hit the $5.00 minimum, you can instantly withdraw your earnings to PayPal, Visa gift cards, or crypto. Because you are testing games rather than gambling, this is available nationwide without state restrictions.
3. Bingo Cash: Best for Fast-Paced Casual Gamers
Also from Papaya Gaming, Bingo Cash applies the Solitaire Cash competitive model to classic Bingo.
- App Store Rating: 4.7/5 (188K+ Reviews)
- How it Works: This is not your grandmother’s bingo. It is a game of speed and strategy. Using power-ups to daub numbers faster than your opponents guarantees you a higher score.
- The Payout: Minimum withdrawal is $5.00 via PayPal or Venmo. Be aware that withdrawals come with a standard $1.00 processing fee.
- The Catch: Just like Solitaire Cash, the big money requires cash deposits. Cash tournaments are restricted in the same states listed above.
4. Pocket7Games: Best All-In-One Arcade
If you get bored easily, downloading one game might not be enough. Pocket7Games by Aviagames is a massive hub containing over 10 different skill-based games in a single iOS app.
- App Store Rating: 4.5/5 (102K+ Reviews)
- How it Works: You can seamlessly switch between games like Bingo Clash, 21 Gold (a fast-paced Blackjack variant), Tile Blitz (similar to Tetris), and Pool Clash.
- The Payout: Winnings are securely withdrawn via PayPal. They also offer a robust daily login bonus system that allows free-to-play users to slowly grind for “Tickets” to enter real-money matches without depositing.+1
5. Swagbucks: The Most Trusted Rewards App
Swagbucks has been operating since 2008 and is the most reliable “slow and steady” earner on the App Store.
- App Store Rating: 4.4/5 (90K+ Reviews)
- How it Works: You earn “SB Points” by downloading and playing featured iOS games. However, you can also pad your balance by answering daily trivia, scanning grocery receipts, and taking market research surveys directly from your iPhone.
- The Payout: 100 SB equals $1.00. You can cash out for PayPal or hundreds of different retail gift cards (including Apple Gift Cards) starting at just $5.00.
How to Spot an iOS Gaming Scam
Before you download any “money-making” game from the App Store, run it through this quick checklist:
- Does it promise thousands of dollars? Legit games pay a few bucks for testing, or require you to win a $10 tournament. Any app claiming you will win $1,000 just for matching three blocks is a scam.
- Does it have a $100 cash-out minimum? Scammers set the withdrawal threshold incredibly high. By the time you reach $98, the app will mysteriously stop giving you points. Stick to apps with $1 to $10 minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are iPhone cash games considered gambling? No. Apps like Solitaire Cash and Pocket7Games classify as “skill-based gaming.” Because every player receives the exact same board or deck of cards, the winner is determined by speed and strategy, not chance.
Why can’t I play cash tournaments in my state? While federal law permits skill-based gaming, individual state laws vary. States like Arizona, Louisiana, and South Carolina have strict local legislation that prohibits any form of paid entry competitions, blocking you from cash matches.
Can I withdraw my iPhone game earnings to Apple Pay? Yes. While PayPal is the industry standard, many top iOS apps (particularly those developed by Papaya Gaming) allow you to withdraw your winnings directly back to the Apple Pay account you used to deposit your entry fees.
