Making money with your cell phone: How real is the promise of pay-to-play apps?

What began as simply digital entertainment has now become, for many users, a source of extra income . The phenomenon of video games that pay real money to play on mobile devices is growing worldwide, and in Argentina, thousands of people are already trying them out every day.

These titles—available for both Android and iPhone —typically blend the logic of casual entertainment with competitive platforms, rewards, or simple tasks that, in return, offer small cash payments or gift cards .

Most of these apps allow you to earn money in a variety of ways, either by competing against other users in skill games like solitaire, bingo, or dominoes; by completing tasks or surveys , which are exchanged for points and then prizes; and by offering rewards integrated into cryptocurrencies or digital tokens, via the blockchain .

In all cases, to collect it is necessary to create an account and associate a virtual wallet , generally one that allows collecting abroad like PayPal , although some also use services like Skrill or digital cards popularly known as gift cards .

A 3D pool game where speed and accuracy determine the winner. The gameplay is simple: whoever pockets all the balls in the shortest time wins. Play is played one-on-one in tournaments with cash prizes.

It's available on iOS and Android devices, with intuitive controls, the ability to apply spin, and a quick but challenging learning curve. Winnings are withdrawn via PayPal .

A card game with a fantasy aesthetic and NFT logic: each card has its own value and can be sold or traded. Tournaments offer rewards in crypto and dollars .

A modern version of the classic solitaire , adapted for phones and tablets, with fast-paced games and fluid animations. Unlike other traditional apps, it allows you to compete in duels with another player, sorting through the exact same deck. The winner is the one who scores the most points in the least amount of time.

A competitive version of bingo , played against other participants in real time. An initial bet is required, but prizes can triple it.

Traditional dominoes in digital format, but with the chance to compete for real prizes. It has a low entry fee and pays out in cash if you win.

A new version of the classic bubble shooter , with an interesting twist: cash prizes for the best players. Available only for Apple devices running iOS, this app challenges users to remove bubbles from the board with precision and strategy, facing off against opponents in time-limited matches.

Unlike other titles, there's no element of chance: whoever scores the most points with skill and speed wins . In addition to one-on-one competition, the app allows you to climb the global leaderboard , earn trophies, and unlock bonuses.

An app for those 17 and older only, where speed and accuracy determine the winner. It's based on real-time matches and rewards in dollars.

A different option within the "make money from your phone" ecosystem. Although it's not a video game in the traditional sense, it works with a similar logic: users actively participate (in this case, by answering surveys ) and in return receive a financial reward.

It can be accessed from a mobile phone or computer and is available for both Android and iOS. The app allows you to create a free profile and start receiving personalized surveys based on your interests, age, gender, consumer history, and geographic location.

It's worth noting that Survey Junkie is available in Latin America, but many of the most profitable surveys are aimed at users in the United States and Canada.

After playing, it's obviously time to collect (or not) your winnings. The most common method for withdrawing money is PayPal , a virtual wallet that allows you to receive payments in dollars, hold them, or transfer them to a bank account. Creating an account is free and requires an email address, real information, and a linked card .

The platform also offers user protection and transaction security. Some apps also allow you to choose other payment methods such as digital cards, gift cards , or cryptocurrencies.

However, users should keep in mind a number of recommendations before starting to play for money on their phone or tablet. In principle, not all games are profitable : some require many hours of play to win small prizes.

It is key to read the terms and conditions carefully , as in many cases there are age or country requirements.

Don't be fooled by advertising, as income isn't guaranteed. And it shouldn't be considered a stable way to earn money, but rather a temporary supplement .

Finally, it's important to be cautious with apps that aren't downloaded from official stores, as some may request excessive permissions or even act as scams designed to steal personal information .