If you love gaming and want to earn some extra cash while playing, you’re in luck. Gaming apps that pay real money have become incredibly popular in Kenya, offering a fun way to make side income from your smartphone.
But let’s be realistic: you won’t become a millionaire playing mobile games. From experience, most gamers earn between Ksh 500 to Ksh 8,000 monthly depending on their skill level and time invested. Some games pay instantly to M-Pesa or PayPal, while others take 24–72 hours to process withdrawals.
In this guide, I’ll share legit game apps that pay real money and actually work for Kenyan players. These aren’t gambling apps or betting platforms—they’re skill-based games, casual games, and play-to-earn apps where you get rewarded for your gaming time.
Whether you’re into puzzle games, trivia, or competitive gaming, there’s something here for everyone. I’ll show you exactly how much you can earn, withdrawal methods available in Kenya, and which apps are worth downloading today.
What Are Gaming Apps That Pay Real Money?
These are mobile games that reward you with actual cash or prizes for playing. You earn money through various methods like winning tournaments, reaching certain levels, watching ads, completing challenges, or simply playing for a set amount of time.
The best part? Most of these real money game apps don’t require any deposit to start. You can download, play, and cash out without risking your own money.
How Fast Can You Get Paid?
Many Kenyan users report receiving payments within 24–48 hours after requesting a withdrawal. Some apps offer instant M-Pesa payments, while others pay via PayPal, Airtel Money, or bank transfer. Payment speed depends on the app’s verification process and your chosen withdrawal method.
17 Best Gaming Apps That Pay Real Money in Kenya
1. Mistplay (Android Only)
What it is: Mistplay is one of the most popular apps that pay you to play games. You earn units by playing games from their catalog, which you can exchange for gift cards or cash.
How you earn money:
- Download and play featured games
- Level up in games for bonus units
- Complete in-game achievements
- Daily check-in bonuses
Minimum withdrawal: 1,500 units (approximately $5 / Ksh 750)
Payment methods: PayPal, Google Play gift cards, Amazon, iTunes
Withdrawal time: 24–48 hours
Pros:
- Wide variety of games to choose from
- Passive earning while playing games you enjoy
- Trusted by millions of users
- No deposit required
Cons:
- Only available on Android
- Takes time to accumulate units
- Not all games are available in Kenya
- Some games require significant playtime
Works in Kenya? Yes, though game selection may be limited compared to Western countries.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 1,000–4,000 per month with regular play.
2. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
What it is: MPL is a competitive gaming platform where you can play skill-based games and tournaments to win real cash prizes.
How you earn money:
- Participate in paid tournaments
- Play fantasy sports
- Compete in casual games like Fruit Chop, Pool, and Carrom
- Win daily contests
Minimum withdrawal: Ksh 100
Payment methods: PayPal, Paytm, bank transfer (varies by region)
Withdrawal time: 24–72 hours
Pros:
- Real competitive gaming environment
- Multiple game categories
- Daily tournaments with cash prizes
- Skill-based, not luck-based
Cons:
- Some tournaments require entry fees
- Competitive players dominate
- Not all features available in Kenya
- Requires good internet connection
Works in Kenya? Yes, but check which games and payment methods are available in your region.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 500–10,000+ per month (depends heavily on skill level).
3. Swagbucks Live
What it is: Swagbucks Live is a trivia game show app where you answer questions in real-time to win cash prizes. It’s part of the larger Swagbucks ecosystem.
How you earn money:
- Join live trivia games (usually daily)
- Answer 10 questions correctly
- Split the prize pool with other winners
- Earn bonus Swagbucks between games
Minimum withdrawal: $5 (Ksh 750) via Swagbucks account
Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards
Withdrawal time: 1–5 business days
Pros:
- Free to play
- Live competitive trivia is exciting
- Part of established Swagbucks platform
- Can earn even if you don’t win first place
Cons:
- Must participate at specific times
- Questions can be very difficult
- Prize pools are split among many winners
- Limited games per day
Works in Kenya? Yes, Kenyan users can participate if they have a Swagbucks account.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 300–2,000 per month (irregular).
4. AppStation
What it is: Similar to Mistplay, AppStation rewards you with coins for downloading and playing mobile games from their collection.
How you earn money:
- Download recommended games
- Play games to earn coins
- Complete daily challenges
- Refer friends for bonus coins
Minimum withdrawal: 2,000 coins ($1 / Ksh 150)
Payment methods: PayPal, Amazon gift cards, Google Play credits
Withdrawal time: Instant to 24 hours
Pros:
- Very low minimum payout
- Fast withdrawals
- User-friendly interface
- Available on both Android and iOS
Cons:
- Coin value is relatively low
- Limited game selection for Kenya
- Ads can be intrusive
- Earnings slow down after initial period
Works in Kenya? Yes, and withdrawals via PayPal work smoothly.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 500–2,500 per month.
5. Bananatic
What it is: Bananatic is a gaming community where you earn “Bananas” (points) by playing browser and mobile games, which you can convert to real money or game keys.
How you earn money:
- Play games and write reviews
- Complete quests and missions
- Participate in community activities
- Watch gaming videos
Minimum withdrawal: 3,000 Bananas ($5 / Ksh 750)
Payment methods: PayPal, Bitcoin, game keys (Steam, PlayStation, etc.)
Withdrawal time: 48–72 hours
Pros:
- Works on PC and mobile
- Huge variety of games
- Active gaming community
- Multiple reward options
Cons:
- Takes time to earn enough points
- Some games require desktop
- Payment processing can be slow
- Point conversion rate is moderate
Works in Kenya? Yes, though PC games work better than mobile.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 1,000–4,000 per month.
6. Lucky Miner
What it is: Lucky Miner is a casual mining game where you dig for treasures and convert your findings into real money.
How you earn money:
- Mine for virtual coins while playing
- Complete daily tasks
- Watch rewarded videos
- Spin the lucky wheel
Minimum withdrawal: $10 via PayPal (Ksh 1,500)
Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards
Withdrawal time: 3–7 business days
Pros:
- Simple, relaxing gameplay
- No complicated rules
- Passive earning potential
- Regular updates
Cons:
- Higher minimum payout
- Slow earning rate
- Many ads
- Withdrawal delays reported by some users
Works in Kenya? Yes, but verify payment proof before investing significant time.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 800–3,000 per month.
7. Skillz Games (Multiple Titles)
What it is: Skillz is a platform that powers competitive mobile games where you can win real money. Popular Skillz-powered games include Solitaire Cube, Blackout Bingo, and 21 Blitz.
How you earn money:
- Enter cash tournaments
- Compete against real players
- Win based on your score
- Practice in free mode before playing for money
Minimum withdrawal: $2 (Ksh 300) via PayPal
Payment methods: PayPal, Apple Pay
Withdrawal time: Instant to 24 hours
Pros:
- Low minimum withdrawal
- Skill-based competition
- Fast payments
- Multiple game options
Cons:
- Most tournaments require entry fees
- Strong competition from experienced players
- Geographic restrictions on some features
- iOS users have more game options
Works in Kenya? Partially. Some Skillz games work in Kenya, but availability varies.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 500–8,000+ per month (skill-dependent).
8. Cash’em All
What it is: Cash’em All rewards you for trying new games and playing them. It’s similar to Mistplay but available on both Android and iOS.
How you earn money:
- Install featured games
- Play games to earn coins
- Reach milestones in games
- Daily login bonuses
Minimum withdrawal: 6,660 coins ($2 / Ksh 300)
Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards
Withdrawal time: 24–48 hours
Pros:
- Very low payout threshold
- Available on iOS and Android
- Quick payments
- Good coin earning rate initially
Cons:
- Earnings decrease over time
- Limited games in some regions
- Must play games frequently
- Some games require specific actions
Works in Kenya? Yes, Kenyan users successfully cash out via PayPal.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 800–3,500 per month.
9. InboxDollars Games
What it is: InboxDollars has a gaming section where you can play casual games and earn cash. It’s part of their larger rewards platform.
How you earn money:
- Play arcade-style games
- Enter sweepstakes
- Complete game achievements
- Combine with other InboxDollars activities (surveys, videos)
Minimum withdrawal: $15 (Ksh 2,250)
Payment methods: PayPal, check, gift cards
Withdrawal time: 3–7 business days
Pros:
- Multiple earning methods beyond gaming
- Established platform since 2000
- $5 sign-up bonus
- No points system—direct cash
Cons:
- Higher minimum payout
- Games earn slowly
- More US-focused
- Processing fees on some withdrawals
Works in Kenya? Yes, but survey and offer availability may be limited.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 1,500–5,000 per month (combining all activities).
10. Gamehag
What it is: Gamehag rewards you with Soul Gems for playing games, completing tasks, and writing articles about gaming.
How you earn money:
- Play browser and mobile games
- Complete in-game tasks
- Write gaming articles
- Participate in contests
Minimum withdrawal: 2,000 Soul Gems ($5 / Ksh 750)
Payment methods: PayPal, Steam Wallet, game keys, gift cards
Withdrawal time: 48 hours to 2 weeks (manual verification)
Pros:
- Huge selection of games
- Can earn by writing
- Multiple reward options
- Active community
Cons:
- Slow verification process
- Some tasks don’t credit properly
- Gem earning rate varies widely
- Customer support can be slow
Works in Kenya? Yes, though verification times may be longer.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 1,000–4,000 per month.
11. Givling
What it is: Givling is a trivia game where you answer questions to earn points and enter cash prize drawings. It also has a unique debt payoff program.
How you earn money:
- Play daily trivia games (free plays available)
- Accumulate queue points
- Win cash prizes through drawings
- Sponsor rewards
Minimum withdrawal: Varies (prize-based system)
Payment methods: PayPal, direct prizes
Withdrawal time: Depends on prize type
Pros:
- Free plays available daily
- Potential for large prizes
- Community-focused platform
- No skill required for drawings
Cons:
- Prize winning is mostly luck-based
- Limited free plays
- Can take time to accumulate points
- Confusing reward structure for beginners
Works in Kenya? Yes, but prize availability may vary.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 0–10,000+ (highly variable, luck-based).
12. Coin Pop
What it is: Coin Pop pays you coins for playing games from their featured list. It’s simple, straightforward, and beginner-friendly.
How you earn money:
- Download and play games
- Earn coins based on playtime
- Complete offers
- Daily bonuses
Minimum withdrawal: 4,000 coins ($0.50 / Ksh 75)
Payment methods: PayPal, Amazon gift cards, Google Play credits
Withdrawal time: 24–72 hours
Pros:
- Extremely low minimum payout
- Simple to use
- Fast initial earning rate
- No complicated tasks
Cons:
- Earning rate decreases significantly
- Limited to Android
- Many ads
- Customer support issues reported
Works in Kenya? Yes, though game selection may be limited.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 300–1,500 per month.
13. Big Time Cash
What it is: Big Time Cash lets you play casual arcade games to earn tickets, which you can redeem for real money via PayPal.
How you earn money:
- Play arcade-style games
- Earn tickets based on performance
- Watch ads for bonus tickets
- Complete daily challenges
Minimum withdrawal: 10,000 tickets ($10 / Ksh 1,500)
Payment methods: PayPal
Withdrawal time: 3–7 business days
Pros:
- Fun, engaging games
- Clear ticket system
- Legitimate payouts reported
- Regular updates with new games
Cons:
- Higher minimum payout
- Takes significant time to reach threshold
- Ads can be excessive
- Ticket earning rate decreases over time
Works in Kenya? Yes, Kenyan users have successfully withdrawn.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 1,000–4,000 per month.
14. Rewarded Play
What it is: Rewarded Play tracks your gameplay across various mobile games and rewards you with gift cards based on your achievements.
How you earn money:
- Play any games from their catalog
- Complete achievements
- Reach level milestones
- Daily login rewards
Minimum withdrawal: Varies by reward (typically $5 / Ksh 750)
Payment methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, etc.)
Withdrawal time: Instant digital delivery
Pros:
- Wide game selection
- Achievement-based rewards feel natural
- Works on Android and iOS
- Instant gift card delivery
Cons:
- No direct cash option (gift cards only)
- Achievement tracking can be buggy
- Limited rewards for some regions
- Slower earning over time
Works in Kenya? Yes, though you’ll receive gift cards rather than M-Pesa.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 800–3,000 per month (in gift card value).
15. Exodus 3000
What it is: Exodus 3000 is a unique text-based sci-fi game where you explore Mars, fight enemies, and earn real cash.
How you earn money:
- Play the browser-based game
- Complete missions
- Defeat enemies
- Trade resources
- Win tournaments
Minimum withdrawal: $10 (Ksh 1,500)
Payment methods: PayPal
Withdrawal time: 24–72 hours
Pros:
- Unique gaming concept
- Free to play
- Real strategy required
- Active player community since 2006
Cons:
- Text-based (not for everyone)
- Slow earning rate
- Learning curve
- Requires patience
Works in Kenya? Yes, though it’s more popular with hardcore gamers.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 500–2,500 per month.
16. PlaySpot
What it is: PlaySpot is a Kenyan-developed gaming platform that allows you to play mobile games and earn rewards you can withdraw to M-Pesa.
How you earn money:
- Play featured arcade games
- Complete daily missions
- Participate in tournaments
- Watch rewarded videos
Minimum withdrawal: Ksh 50
Payment methods: M-Pesa
Withdrawal time: Instant to 24 hours
Pros:
- Direct M-Pesa payments (perfect for Kenyans!)
- Very low minimum withdrawal
- Locally developed
- Fast payments
Cons:
- Limited game selection
- Smaller user base
- Lower earning potential
- App stability issues reported
Works in Kenya? Absolutely—it’s specifically designed for the Kenyan market.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 500–2,000 per month.
17. Bubble Shooter – Bubble Cash
What it is: A classic bubble shooter game where you can win real money by competing against other players in tournaments.
How you earn money:
- Enter skill-based tournaments
- Match bubbles to clear levels
- Win based on your score
- Practice in free mode first
Minimum withdrawal: $5 (Ksh 750)
Payment methods: PayPal, Apple Pay
Withdrawal time: 24–48 hours
Pros:
- Simple, familiar gameplay
- Skill-based competition
- Low entry fees for tournaments
- Quick matches
Cons:
- Most good tournaments require entry fees
- Strong competition
- Limited free earning opportunities
- May not be available in all regions
Works in Kenya? Check app availability—some features may be region-restricted.
Realistic earnings: Ksh 300–5,000 per month (skill and risk-dependent).
How to Maximize Your Earnings from Gaming Apps
If you’re just starting out, here are practical tips to earn more from real money gaming apps:
✅ Use multiple apps: Don’t rely on just one game. Combine 3-5 apps to maximize earnings
✅ Focus on your strengths: Choose games that match your skills (puzzle, trivia, strategy, etc.)
✅ Play during bonus periods: Many apps offer double points or bonus coins during specific hours
✅ Complete daily tasks: These often provide the best earning rate
✅ Start with free tournaments: Practice before risking money on paid competitions
✅ Set time limits: Don’t spend all day gaming for Ksh 50—balance time vs. earnings
From experience, players who strategically use 3–5 apps and play 1–2 hours daily earn the most consistently.
Safety Tips: Avoiding Scam Gaming Apps
Here’s how to spot legit game apps that pay real money and avoid wasting your time:
✅ Check app ratings: Look for apps with 4+ stars and thousands of reviews
✅ Read recent reviews: Focus on reviews from the last 3 months, especially from Kenyan users
✅ Verify payment proof: Search for “[App Name] payment proof Kenya” on YouTube
✅ Avoid apps requiring deposits: Legitimate earning apps are free to start
✅ Watch for withdrawal limits: If minimum is Ksh 10,000+, it’s likely a scam
✅ Never share sensitive info: Real gaming apps won’t ask for M-Pesa PIN or ID numbers
✅ Be wary of “guaranteed earnings”: If it promises Ksh 20,000 per day, it’s a scam
Remember: if a gaming app seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which gaming app pays the most in Kenya?
MPL and Skillz-powered games have the highest earning potential if you’re skilled, with some competitive players earning Ksh 10,000+ monthly. However, they require skill and sometimes entry fees. For guaranteed earnings without risk, Mistplay and AppStation are more reliable, paying Ksh 1,000–4,000 monthly with consistent play.
Can I really make money playing games on my phone?
Yes, but manage your expectations. You won’t get rich, but you can earn Ksh 500–8,000 monthly depending on time invested and skill level. Think of it as getting paid for something you’d do anyway (playing games) rather than as a primary income source.
Do I need to pay to start earning from these apps?
No. All the apps listed here are free to download and start earning. Some competitive gaming apps offer paid tournaments with higher prizes, but you can always start with free options first. Never pay “registration fees” or “activation fees”—that’s a red flag for scams.
Which gaming app pays to M-Pesa directly?
PlaySpot is currently the main gaming app offering direct M-Pesa withdrawals in Kenya. Other apps pay via PayPal, which you can then transfer to your Kenyan bank account or use for online purchases.
How long does it take to get your first payout?
This varies by app and your playtime. With apps like Coin Pop or AppStation (low minimums), you could reach your first payout in 3–7 days of regular play. Apps with higher minimums like Big Time Cash or InboxDollars might take 2–4 weeks of consistent gameplay.
Final Thoughts
Gaming apps that pay real money offer a fun way to earn side income in Kenya, especially if you’re already spending time on mobile games. The apps in this guide are legitimate and have been tested by Kenyan users.
Here’s the reality: You won’t replace your job income with these apps, but you can earn Ksh 1,000–8,000 monthly to supplement your income, pay for airtime, or save for something special. The key is consistency and using multiple apps simultaneously.
My recommendation? Start with 3 apps from this list: one casual game app (like Mistplay or AppStation), one competitive option if you’re skilled (like MPL or Skillz games), and one that pays to M-Pesa (like PlaySpot) for easier access to your earnings.
Remember: Gaming apps should be fun first, earnings second. If you’re not enjoying the games, the small earnings won’t be worth your time.
Which gaming app have you tried? Share your experience in the comments below or bookmark this page for updates. New gaming apps are constantly emerging in the Kenyan market!
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