Is Papaya Gaming Legit? [Lawsuit, List of Apps, and Alternatives]

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With gaming apps aplenty on both the App Store and Google Play Store, how do you know which pays the best? Check out our Papaya Gaming review for more info.

We typically associate playing games for money with the casino, where stakes are high and the falls just as steep. However, much of online gaming for money happens on mobile apps that offer a similar earning experience. 

Indeed, 2020 saw 70% of online betting stemming from mobile devices, where playing casino games is easier than ever. For some, both players and developers alike, that convenience comes with a huge payout.

One of the most prominent casino game developers is Papaya Gaming. Though this company only has a few apps on the App Store and Samsung Galaxy Store, the premise underlying them all has proven to be incredibly profitable.

Many people wonder if Papaya Gaming is legitimate, especially given the type of games played on the various apps. Our article digs deeper into how these games work and how much you can earn from Papaya Gaming’s apps. 

Are you ready to find out if Papaya Gaming is legitimate? Let’s get started!

What is Papaya Gaming 

Founded back in 2016 by Alex Liakhovetsky, Andrey Birman, and Yonatan Zvik, Papaya Gaming has offices in both St. Louis, Missouri, and Tel Aviv.

The company offers four gaming apps on the App Store and Samsung Galaxy Store, namely:

These games rank among the most downloaded in the market, with over four million downloads across the globe. The majority of players are Americans but Papaya Gaming is expanding to the UK market as well.

The basic premise of each of these four games sticks to what you already know about the game type.

For example, Solitaire Cash bases itself on the game of Solitaire, where players can earn cash by playing solitaire against others from their mobile phones.

solitaire cash
‎Solitaire Cash
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Earn cash by playing solitaire against others from your mobile phone. Solitaire Cash is one of the best games to play to make money. It's that simple.

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In Bingo Cash, you're paired to play in head-to-head games against real people and whoever plays the fastest, wins real cash. You won't get rich, but earning $50+ per win can add up quickly.

bingo cash
‎Bingo Cash
4.5

In Bingo Cash, you're paired to play in head-to-head games against real people and whoever plays the fastest, wins real cash. You won't get rich, but earning up to $83 per win can add up quickly. Win cash for free or deposit $5 to multiply your winnings.

Play Your First Bingo Game → Bingo Cash Review

These game apps to win real money can be downloaded for free but offer tournaments and competitions where players can earn large cash pools. Both in-game currency and real cash can be used to enter these competitions.

Papaya Gaming Lawsuit 

Though Papaya Gaming wasn’t recently involved in any lawsuits, several have come to light regarding casino mobile gaming apps. It all has to do with how the apps and Apple or Google make money from those apps. 

For example, Papaya Gaming makes money through the “rake” or a cut of the total earnings, most of which comes from entry fees for each tournament. Papaya Gaming’s rake is 20%, which is similar to a rake in the casino industry. 

This profit model encourages Papaya Gaming to get as many players as possible to participate in competitions. The more competitors who pay, the more Papaya Gaming makes. 

CTech recently talked to a co-founder of Papaya Gaming, Yonatan Zvik, who denied categorizing Papaya Gaming’s lineup as gambling. According to Zvik, the games may fall under the “Casino” category, but they do not promote the pastime like other apps do. 

Apple came under fire in early 2021 in a “gambling app class action lawsuit.” The prosecution claimed the tech giant broke several gambling laws in 25 states and demanded recompense. 

Apps available for download from the App Store are subject to a 30% fee instituted by Apple. Several complaints have surfaced about such a large rake, but for most, it’s the price of doing business with Apple.  

Papaya Gaming Apps

If you want to get paid to play games, Papaya Gaming is a one-stop shop. Each game incorporates gems as an internal currency, with the option to add real cash to enter competitions and increase your earnings. 

These games play off classic games you’re familiar with (Solitaire games and Bingo games) but with the added twist of earning money. A few minutes on a Papaya Gaming app could win you nothing or it could win you $150 or more. 

Papaya Gaming apps also have daily prizes that offer gems and cash. Play each game to win money, from $2 up to $2,000 if you’re among the top three. 

The best part about Papaya Gaming apps is that you don’t necessarily have to have skills. Instead, you can play for fun and still win big prizes. 

Cookie Cash

cookie cash game apps to win real money

Cookie Cash is a new game from Papaya Gaming for those looking for puzzle games that pay real money.

Players can dive into the familiar world of Match 3, aligning pieces to clear them, setting the stage for high-scoring combos. But with Cookie Cash, there's a twist – users can earn cash prizes!

Infused with a fresh spin on a timeless classic, Cookie Cash boasts a player-friendly design, melding captivating graphics with a seamless interface, ensuring immersive gameplay.

One can opt to play for free, or up the ante by depositing money and competing against others for lucrative rewards.

21 Cash

Available only on the App Store, 21 Cash gives you two minutes to stack pairs of cards that equal 21. This blackjack-like game awards the player with the most points at the end of each round. 

In getting as many stacks of 21 as you can, you’re only allowed three mistakes. In addition to playing for free, you can also enter tournaments to cash in on real money earnings. 

21 Cash also offers free gems if you log in daily. For win-real-money apps, that’s fairly common but it is a nice way to build up your earnings over time. 

Bingo Cash

Download Bingo Cash from the Samsung Galaxy Store or the App Store to start playing. Like most bingo apps that pay real money, Bingo Cash draws upon the basic structure of bingo but adds a bit of competition to the mix. 

Each player in Bingo Cash gets the same card. The top three players to get the most points win up to $200 in some cases and you can earn more by using Bingo Cash tips.

Moreover, Bingo Cash matches players based on skill and offers a free daily raffle. You can also get a free $1 bonus for any referrals you make. 

Cash out with Bingo Cash via PayPal, American Express, Apple Pay, or Visa/Mastercard. If you make a $10 deposit, Bingo Cash will match that, but only for 24 hours after your deposit hits.

‎Bingo Cash
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In Bingo Cash, you're paired to play in head-to-head games against real people and whoever plays the fastest, wins real cash. You won't get rich, but earning up to $83 per win can add up quickly. Win cash for free or deposit $5 to multiply your winnings.

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Solitaire Cash

Solitaire Cash has over four million downloads on the App Store. Enter tournaments and compete with other players to earn cash prizes in this skills-based game and you could end up with up to $83 per victory.

In addition to tournaments, you can also play alone to hone your skills. If you never want to spend any real money, you can still win real cash for finishing in the top three of any tournament you enter.

Get a 100-gem sign-up bonus with Solitaire Cash, available from the App Store as well as the Samsung Galaxy Store.

You can download this classic Klondike solitaire game for free but have even more fun with the matches and competitions that can potentially earn you more.

‎Solitaire Cash
4.5

Earn cash by playing solitaire against others from your mobile phone. Solitaire Cash is one of the best games to play to make money. It's that simple.

Play Solitaire Cash → Solitaire Cash Review

Bubble Cash

If you’re tired of card games and daubing, check out Bubble Cash. This classic bubble shooter game keeps you busy as you try to remove bubbles with strategy in mind. 

The name of the game is to match bubbles of the same color to remove them from the field. You can play free practice games or compete in tournaments for PayPal cash.

Challenge your mind by playing Bubble Cash for extra funds you can use to treat yourself. Download the app from the Samsung Galaxy Store or App Store today. 

Papaya Gaming Promo Codes

You can often find Papaya Gaming promotional codes on their social media profiles. For example, you could subscribe to their Instagram page and receive codes you can redeem for more rewards. 

Most promotional codes give you what’s called “bonus cash,” which technically doesn’t have any value except for in the game. You have to spend that cash within the game itself to make any use of it. 

However, bonus cash can give you a free way to enter a paid tournament and potentially win big. It all depends on how well you rank and what Papaya Gaming app you’re playing. 

How to Make the Most of Papaya Gaming Apps

Unlike apps that peek over your shoulder as you play, Papaya Gaming apps let you earn extra money through tournaments.

Your gameplay experience will vary from one app to another, but here are some ways you can make the most of your game time: 

  • Start with free games to see how well you do with each app. Play for free until you feel comfortable with the game itself. 
  • Choose competitions that have a low entry cost so you can minimize risk. Losing $0.50 is much easier to deal with than listing $5. 
  • Ensure you’ve set aside time and space to dedicate to your gaming. With time limits and responsiveness critical in each of these Papaya Gaming apps, a quick finger is required. 
  • Cash out earnings when you reach the minimum amount. While you can certainly wait longer to cash out until you’ve got more rewards stacked up, it’s often best to get in and out before something happens to your account.  

It’s important to note that since you can’t possibly replace your full-time position with a gaming app like Papaya Gaming offers, it’s all about setting your expectations. Ensure that you’re working toward a goal but don’t let earning a few cents get in the way of your daily life. 

Papaya Gaming Pros and Cons

Papaya Gaming offers several exciting and fun ways to earn extra money, but how does it stack up? Keep reading to see where the chips fall. 

Pros:

  • Apps are free to download
  • Variety of games
  • Easy to cash out 
  • Promotional codes sometimes available on social media
  • Free gameplay as well as paid opportunities
  • Many cashout options, including PayPal and real cash 

Cons:

  • Most tournaments require real cash entry fees
  • Playing games on other platforms can be more lucrative 
  • A somewhat limited selection of games
  • $1 fee to withdraw earnings 

Papaya Gaming Alternatives

If you’re looking for games that pay instantly to Cash App or just want to help your gameplay go further to benefit you, there are many alternatives to Papaya Gaming apps.

Most of them include ways to earn money and cash out so you can save up for a free coffee or two. 

Buff Gaming

Buff Gaming is a legitimate gaming app you can download to put some extra funds in your pocket. It’s nothing that will replace your full-time job but it can help you make the most of the mobile games you already play.  

Popular games you can find on Buff Gaming include:

  • CS GO
  • Dota 2
  • Valorant
  • Fortnite
  • Apex Legends 
  • Counter Strike
  • PUBG
  • League of Legends

As you play these games, you’ll earn Buff coins you can redeem for free gifts in the Buff Marketplace. The app simply watches over your shoulder as you play. 

Skillz

Many people have asked, “Is Skillz legit?” The answer is yes, the following are Skillz games you can play to earn extra cash:

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With so many apps available, you’re sure to find one that suits your gaming needs. Plus, you can get paid in the process. 

AviaGames

In addition to Android games that pay real money, AviaGames makes most of its games available for the iPhone market as well. These games include:

You’ll notice that a few of them have similar names to Papaya Gaming apps. For instance, Solitaire Clash instead of Solitaire Cash and Bingo Clash versus Bingo Cash. 

FAQs

Is it legal to play gambling games like those that Papaya Gaming offers?

Yes, it is legal to play gambling games like those that Papaya Gaming offers. However, when these games are played for real money, they are restricted to certain states. 

Can you win real money with Papaya Gaming apps? 

Yes, you can win real money with Papaya Gaming apps. All you have to do is find a cash-reward tournament, enter, and win to earn real cash. 

What games does Papaya Gaming offer?

Papaya Gaming offers Bubble Cash, 21 Cash, Solitaire Cash, and Bingo Cash. The company may add new games as time goes on, but for now, these are the only four games available from Papaya Gaming. 

Join the Fun with Papaya Gaming 

Several app developers top the charts for the most downloaded games, but Papaya Gaming has seemingly come out of nowhere to rank high on the list for its four gaming apps. Bubble Cash, 21 Cash, Solitaire Cash, and Bingo Cash make it easy to earn extra money just by playing games you love. 

We hope this article helped you to find out more about Papaya Gaming so you can download these apps and contribute to your bank account. It’s well worth it to do some research, especially with so many sophisticated scams these days. 

Papaya Gaming is just one of many app developers out there that offers the chance to earn money for the games you may already play. Combine these apps and you can potentially make quite a bit of money in your spare time. 

Which Papaya Gaming app(s) will you download? 

About the author

Brian Meiggs
Hi, I'm Brian Meiggs! A personal finance expert, entrepreneur, and the founder of My Millennial Guide. My drive is to help others unlock the wealth of freedom and pave the path to financial success. With my bachelor's degree in finance, I help millennials follow the smart money in order to increase their earning potential and start building wealth for the future. I write regularly about side hustles, investing, and general personal finance topics aimed to help anyone earn more, pay off debt, and reach financial freedom. I have been quoted in major publications including Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, NASDAQ, Discover, GoDaddy, BiggerPockets, Fox News, Debt.com, Quick Sprout, Money Geek, MSN Money and many more!