Skill Games Online
Games of skill come in all shapes and sizes. They can be based on traditional card games such as spades or bridge, word games like Scrabble, strategy games like chess and even fast-twitch games like first-person shooters. The one thing they all have in common is that skill is the dominant factor in achieving victory. People have been betting on these games for as long as these games have been played.
It is only recently that people have been able to play these games online for real money. Today, there are numerous websites that host real money skill games for people just like you. So if you’re tired of playing your friends for fun, a real money skill game site is just the solution. You’ll get to play against serious opponents and win cash when you win. Best of all, it’s quite a bit of fun. Even a small wager makes every game feel like an important event.
Our Top 10 Game Apps Picks to Win Real Money
Our 10 best cash games will cover different types of games and ways to earn cash and rewards. They are all legit and licensed games that pay real money.
A couple of legit cash games are restricted in the following states: AZ, AR, CT, DE, IL, IN, LA, ME, MT, SC, SD, and TN. We will add “restricted” to the game app description if it applies. You can still play these online games for free if you live in a cash-price restricted area.
#1. Blackout Bingo
If you are interested in playing free bingo games to win cash prizes and real rewards, Blackout Bingo is the cream of the crop. It is available for both Android and iOS systems, so players can enjoy earning free cash while on the go. Here, players can win tokens to redeem for real rewards, cash prizes, and even sweepstake entries. Play bingo against other users in quick 2-minute rounds or weekly cash tournaments while you play in mesmerizing locations. Every player sees the same cards and balls, so the person with the most speed and concentration will come out on top.
Here is how players earn points to win:
- Single/double bingos
- Daub when your number is called on the board
Note: The quicker you daub or lock in your bingo, the more points you earn. Keep in mind that you will be penalized if you daub a number that has not been called or click bingo when you do not have it.
Players can also earn boosts, allowing them to complete numbers before they have been called.
Casino app: Google Play Store (4.3/5) & App Store (4.5/5)
What we like:
- PayPal cash rewards
- Great gaming app
- Free-to-play
Prizes available: PayPal cash prizes & merchandise
It is restricted in the mentioned states.
#2. Solitaire Cube
Ever heard of an online solitaire that can pay real money? Like Blackout Bingo, at Solitaire Cube customers can earn money playing games against other players in head-to-head challenges or weekly tournaments.
Once you deposit at least $1 via your PayPal account, you will be eligible to enter cash tournaments and face other players with the same skill level as yours. Solitaire is a simple game to play, and it is available on both Android and iOS devices through the browser or designated app downloadable on both Google Play Store and the App Store.
Casino app: Google Play Store (2.9/5) & App Store (4.6/5)
What we like:
- Quick contests
- Great app design
- Free practice rounds
Prizes available: PayPal cash & merchandise
It is restricted in the mentioned states
#3. Blitz 21
Do you want to earn money by playing games such as 21 or Solitaire? Blitz 21 offers a mixture of the two, and players can earn up to $82 in a single win.
Players can practice their 21 skills while competing head-to-head against opponents. Or deposit a certain amount and compete in tournaments for bigger cash prizes. These games will always consist of five opponents of the same skill level. The point of the game is to reach 21 points or draw 5 cards without exceeding 21.
Payouts are made through PayPal.
Casino app Google Play Store (4/5) & App Store (4.6/5)
What we like:
- Excellent opponent interaction and gameplay
- Competition based on skill level
- Great graphics.
Prizes available: PayPal cash and paper checks for exceeding amounts
It is restricted in the mentioned states
#4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is known as the king of cash prizes and rewards. Swagbucks offers players the chance to earn money playing games and doing tasks such as playing free online games, watching videos, completing tasks, taking part in polls, filling out paid surveys, shopping online, and saving money by accumulating coupons.
Players are paid in “Swagbucks,” which can be redeemed for an Amazon gift card after reaching $1 and only $5 for PayPal cash or other gift cards.
Players can earn about $50-$100 extra money a month by playing Swagbucks.
Casino app: Google Play Store (4.3/5) & App Store (4.4/5)
What we like:
- Multiple ways to earn cash
- Low redemption amounts
- Fast earning games and tasks
Prizes available: PayPal cash & gift cards
No restricted areas
#5. Pool Payday
If you love playing online pool games, then you should try Pool Payday. It is one of the most realistic and accurate pool games you will find and pays real money.
You can earn money online while competing against your friends on a free top-quality 3D graphic pool setup. Or pay a small fee to enter tournaments where you will be able to win big prizes, which can be paid into your Apple Pay or PayPal account.
Players can also earn money completing tasks such as bank and trick shots. As soon as you start playing games, you will earn points that add to your loyalty program, which offers better prizes and rewards.
Casino app Galaxy Store Store & App Store (4.6/5)
What we like:
- Epic 3D graphics
- Play with your friends for free
- A great loyalty program
Prizes available: PayPal & Apple Pay cash
It is restricted in the mentioned states
#6. InboxDollars
InboxDollars act as a platform to find and play real money earning games. Players can enjoy access to a host of free online games that pay real money, such as Candy Jam, Mahjong Solitaire, and PetHop. However, that is not the only way for players to earn cash. InboxDollars offer players the chance to win prizes and rewards by doing everyday things such as:
- Watching Videos
- Shopping online
- Fill out surveys
- Read email content
InboxDollars compensate players in scratch cards with a minimum and maximum redemption of $20-$100.
Casino app: Google Play Store (4/5) & App Store (4.5/5)
What we like:
- Multiple money making games
- A $5 free sign-up bonus
- Easy-to-earn money and rewards
Prizes available: PayPal cash, cheque, direct deposit, or gift cards
No restricted areas.
#7. Mistplay
Mistplay is by far one of the best online games that pay real money. Here, players can earn money by downloading and playing free online games such as Pokemon Go, Fruit Ninja, Super Mario Run, and more. Once a game is downloaded, players are rewarded for completing in-game tasks.
Mistplay is only available to download on the Google Play Store and offers one of the best loyalty programs you will find.
Mistplay focuses strictly on gaming, and if you play well, players can earn decent money by playing games without having to deposit a cent. There is no PayPal option. Instead, players can use a Visa Prepaid Card, and the minimum real cash prize redemption is $5.
Casino app: Google Play Store only (4.2/5)
What we like:
- Earn real cash playing different mobile games
- Nr 1 loyalty program for mobile gamers
- Gift card redemption as low as $0.5
Prizes available: Visa prepaid card cash rewards & gift cards
No restricted areas
#8. Dominoes Gold
Dominoes Gold must be one of our favorite instant win games that pay real money. Players can earn rewards by competing in free 1 vs 1 domino games or tournaments, where you can chat and compete against other players. The graphics and gameplay are seamless, backed up by its impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating on the App Store.
If you like to earn money by playing games online, Dominoes Gold has a very exciting and entertaining setup waiting for you.
Casino app: Google Play Store (4.4/5) & App Store (4.7/5)
What we like:
- Crisp 3D graphics
- Smooth gameplay
- Daily tournaments
Prizes available: PayPal cash, gift cards, merchandise, and sweepstake prizes
It is restricted in the mentioned states
#9. Drop
Drop offers you the chance to earn money while playing online games. It gives players a list of arcade games with tasks attached. The more online game tasks you complete, the more gift cards you will receive. These gift cards are redeemable at big brands such as Netflix, Amazon, and Starbucks.
The available free games are plenty and continuously updated. Players can enjoy online video games, casino games, cards, and more. Besides playing games, players can also earn rewards by doing cashback offers, completing surveys, and other paid cash rewards.
Drop has an earning limit of $5/week.
Casino app: Google Play Store (4.3/5) & App Store (4.6/5)
What we like:
- Big brand gift cards
- Multiple games that pay real money
- Plenty of ways to earn cash and rewards
Prizes available: Gift cards only
No restricted areas
#10. Skillz Games
If you have that competitive drive, you should try Skillz Games, a multi-player gaming platform. Here, players can download and play money making games while competing head-to-head against other players worldwide, +30 million monthly players to be exact.
Not only do you get paid to compete, but also by downloading the real money earning games, some of which we even mentioned above, like Solitaire Cube, Blitz 21, Pool Payday, Blackout Bingo, and Dominoes Gold. You can download these free online games and many others directly from the Skillz Games site or game app stores. You only need to create an account.
Skillz Games is completely free to play games against opponents, but if you wish to compete in tournaments, buy-ins start at $0.6. Deposits are made via PayPal or credit card.
Casino app: APK download from Skillz Site & App Store (3.8/5)
What we like:
- Epic player vs. player competitions
- Get paid to play online video games
- Plenty of money making games available
Prizes available: PayPal and Credit card cash
It is restricted in the mentioned states.
How To Play Skill Games Online For Money
The concept of online skill gaming is pretty straightforward. You sign up at a reputable skill gaming website, make a deposit with your credit card or PayPal account and then choose from the available games at that website.
Every game will be listed on the main page of the website after you log in. You will also see stats that tell you how many people are playing that game and how much it costs to play. In most cases, you’ll be paired with a single opponent in a head-to-head match.
When you join a game, you and your opponent will both be asked to put up your wager. The winner of that game takes everything minus a small house fee. Games with more than 2 people have different payout structures, but the primary goal in any case is to beat your opponents and win their money.
The websites that host online skill games for money make a profit by taking a small fee out of every real money match. For example, King.com keeps 25% of every entry fee with the remaining 75% going straight to the players. So if you play in a $5 match against someone else, $3.75 will go towards the prize pool. This means that if you win a $5 match, you’ll get $7.50 (your entry fee plus your opponent’s entry fee minus 25%).
Legal Real Money Games In The USA
Skill game websites host all different types of games. Some of the most popular are strategy games such as rummy, backgammon, dominoes, hearts and spades. These games convert well to the internet and allow competitive people to go head-to-head for any stakes they like.
You’ll also find a variety of puzzle games, word games, trivia games and even a few sport games such as pool and soccer. The variety is almost endless, but all games involve skill of some sort. It might be skill at clicking the mouse, rearranging words or recalling ancient history – it all depends on the types of games you play.
For most games, a matchmaking system is used to pair players of similar skills. This is done by finding opponents who have similar records to yours. The goal here is to give everyone a real challenge but also an honest shot at winning money. Matchmaking doesn’t always work perfectly, but it does a pretty good job overall.
What About Chess?
Real money chess doesn’t really work online because it is way too easy to cheat in chess. A good computer program can beat just about any player in the world. Even if a chess site were to implement software that turned off all nonessential programs on your computer, all you would need to circumvent that is a laptop and a copy of Chessmaster 9000.
Chess is hugely popular as an online game; just not for real money. Computers have “solved” chess and it’s too easy to put that power to use. If you want to play chess for real money, you’ll want to play in old-fashioned face-to-face games.
Difference Between Skill and Gambling Games
Classic games such as chess, checkers and backgammon are considered to be games of skill because luck plays little role in determining the outcome. To win consistently at these games, you must be a skilled player. Luck plays little to no role in these types of games.
The lack of luck in skill games is what differentiates skill games from gambling games. Gambling games such as roulette and craps may involve a little skill, but over the long run, the outcome is based on luck. The best craps players in the world cannot beat the casino at its own game. The same thing also goes for all other gambling games (with a few exceptions such as card counting in blackjack).
A skilled craps player may now how to pick bets that have a low house advantage, but that player still has no chance of beating the house. The only thing that player can do to win money is get lucky. The same thing goes for roulette, 3 card poker, slot machines and other casino games.
Some games are not as clear-cut. For example, poker is considered by avid players to be a game of skill even though it does have elements of chance. That debate can go back and forth forever but at the end of the day, the law has the final say in the matter.
Every state uses its own system to determine which games are considered “skill” and which are considered “chance.” Real money skill game websites avoid that whole mess by sticking with games that are clearly based on skill. So you’ll find games like backgammon and spades, but not games like poker at those sites.
The Legality of Betting on Skill Games
Chess, dominoes, and other online skill games have been exempted by most laws dealing with online betting in the USA.
The fact that skill games are based on skill and not on luck is important because that is what makes it legal to bet real money on those games over the internet in most states. Anti-gambling laws that target the internet deal specifically with games that have a greater element of chance. Skill games avoid that issue altogether.
The only problem here is that it’s not always clear what is a game of skill and what isn’t. For example, many of us would consider poker a game of skill but the government begs to differ and poker is therefore tightly regulated. On the other hand, chess is very clearly a game of skill as there is zero chance involved in the game.
In most states, it is legal to play online skill games for real money. There are no federal laws that make it a crime to play or host real money skill games over the internet. However, some states do have laws against betting on ANY game.
State laws are notoriously unclear on the legality of online skill game betting. Most states appear to have no laws on the books that prohibit the activity, but it’s a big question mark in some states.
States That Do NOT Allow Real Money Skill Games
Legitimate skill game websites do not accept customers from any restricted states. If you live in one of those states, you’ll have to look into other options such as daily fantasy sports betting or horse racing.
Those of you who live in states where real money games are legal can join any skill gaming website and give it a shot. You can either jump in right away and play for real money or start off slowly and try out the interface for free at first. When you’re ready to play for real, just sign up for an account and fund your account.