Love mobile games and want to turn your skills into cash? In 2025, Skillz, a leading mobile gaming platform, lets you compete in skill-based games like bingo or solitaire for real money. I have personally won over $5,000 playing Skillz games at the time of this writing. With millions of players and over $100 million in monthly prizes, it’s a legit side hustle for gamers. All you need is a smartphone and a knack for competition. Here’s how to make money playing Skillz games and kickstart your gaming side hustle today.

Step 1: Understand Skillz

Skillz is a multiplayer platform hosting skill-based mobile games (e.g., Blackout Bingo, Solitaire Cube) where you compete in tournaments or head-to-head matches for cash or virtual currency (“Z” or Ticketz). Games are free to download, but cash tournaments require deposits ($0.60–$50). Minimize risk by never depositing your own money. You can play games with in-game currency (“Z’s”) and earn Ticketz for every game, which can eventually be turned in for bonus cash. You can then use the bonus cash to play cash tournaments. Note: bonus cash cannot be withdrawn, but cash earned from tournaments paid for with bonus cash can be withdrawn. You keep winnings via PayPal or check, with Skillz taking a small fee. Each game is skill-based, using patented tech to match players of similar skill levels for fair play.

Step 2: Choose Your Game

Pick a game that matches your skills and interests:

• Blackout Bingo: Fast-paced bingo with power-ups. Win $5–$50/tournament. Great for quick thinkers.
• Solitaire Cube: Classic solitaire with timed challenges. Earn $3–$30/match. Ideal for strategy fans.
• Dominoes Gold: Competitive dominoes. Prizes range from $2–$20. Suits pattern-matching pros.
• Real Money Word Search: Find words for points. Win $1–$10/tournament. Perfect for vocab buffs.

Download games via the Skillz app (iOS/Android) and practice free modes to hone skills. Test 2–3 games to find your best fit.

Step 3: Set Up Your Account

Getting started is free and takes minutes:

• Download: Get the Skillz app or a Skillz-powered game (e.g., Blackout Bingo) from the App Store or Google Play.
• Create Account: Sign up with an email, username, and password. No fees to join.

Step 4: Compete and Win

Maximize earnings with smart play:

• Practice Free Games: Use “Z” currency modes to improve without risking money.
• Ticketz: Save up your Ticketz to turn in for bonus cash to enter cash tournaments.
• Start Small: Enter low-stake tournaments ($0.60–$5) to build confidence and funds.
• Focus on Skill: Skillz matches you with similar-skilled players, so practice boosts win rates. A 60% win rate breaks even. Aim for a 60–70% win rate to profit.

Step 5: Manage Risks

Skillz is legit but not risk-free:

• Limit Risk: Cash games require money, and losses are possible. Try to utilize bonus cash and avoid depositing your own money. 
• Skill-Based: Winning depends on skill, not luck, but top players dominate. Practice is key.
• Issues: Some users report bugs (e.g., game crashes) or slow support. Check reviews before high-stake games. 

Your First Move

Download a Skillz game like my personal favorite: Bubble Shooter. Skillz offers a fun, competitive way to earn, but it’s not guaranteed cash—play smart. What game will you try?

Warning About Get-Rich-Quick Schemes: Beware of apps or programs promising “$1,000/day” that demand upfront payments. Legit platforms like Skillz are free to join and only charge for tournament entries. Always check reviews on Google Play/App Store and avoid sharing sensitive info with unverified platforms. Stick to trusted apps to protect your time and money.