3 Game Categories & 21 Types of Real Money Games: Categorizations & List of Games That Pay Real Cash 

What are the 3 real money game categories?

Real money games can be divided into three main categories based on game mechanics and how the outcome of each game is determined:

Several types of games straddle these three categories, such as mobile app-based games that are often free to play. Perhaps surprisingly – given they come with financial risks – the most popular category of games is the one encompassing luck-based games.

Gambling games of luck

In luck-based real money games, the outcome is primarily determined by random events. You’ll play betting or gambling games based on luck on the websites or apps of online betting companies. With these operators, you make a deposit to play and use money in an account as stake money for placing a bet or wager against the house or an opponent.

Wagering money to make a profit is the fundamental concept of gambling and, if you want to make money from betting online, you will need to be prepared to take a gamble just as you would wagering in land-based casinos in Macau, Las Vegas, or Atlantic City.

• Gambling, wagering, and betting are intrinsically connected to RMGs.
• There are strategies in some luck-based games that can improve your winning prospects, but the house always wins in the long run.
• While entertaining, gambling games offer a risk-involved form of gaming and it’s hard to beat the house.
• You can easily lose your money when betting on an uncertain outcome that you cannot influence.
• Your skill level doesn’t make a significant difference to the results, as these games operate through a random number generator (RNG), ensuring that every outcome is impartial and fair.
• Some of the most popular games where outcomes depend on luck include slots, roulette, and the lottery.
• Games are generally relaxing, engaging, and simple to play. They are popular among players of all skill levels.
• They offer a fun way to try your luck and potentially win real money, making them appealing to a broad range of players.

You can see that luck-based gaming is a broad category but playing any games where skill is involved will result in better chances of making a profit.

Real money skill games

Gain an advantage in real-money skill games by leveraging expertise, strategy, and knowledge. Skill increases winning chances in games where ability and tactics determine outcomes.

Winning potential in skill-based games improves with practice and optimal strategic decisions, making them ideal for earning online and monetizing skill.

• Skill and strategy games often involve competing against opponents in real money tournaments or championships.
• Outcomes are sometimes partially dependent on luck and good fortune.
• Games require practice and a focused, careful approach to develop and maintain the expertise needed to be a successful player.
• Examples like poker, chess, backgammon, and fantasy sports all fall into this category.
• They have varying degrees of complexity, and the learning curve can be steep or shallow, depending on the individual game.
• Playing with other players offers engaging, real-time interactions within a global gaming community resulting in a reliable and exciting gaming experience with a compelling blend of entertainment, competition, and potential earnings.
• Research by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, shows that skill-based games have higher levels of player engagement and retention.

This last point makes some deep sense, of course. Players will need to apply themselves with strong focus when trying to win playing a game where pure skill is the main driver of results. But hybrid games need a similar level of player focus because both skill and luck play parts in the gameplay.

Hybrid Games

Hybrid real money games combine elements of both skill-based and luck-based gaming where winning isn’t solely down to a fortunate outcome. They still have an associated risk of losing real money, and play might still involve a stake or bet, but the outcome will partially or wholly be determined by a player’s ability.

• In these games, both the player’s skill or strategy and good or bad luck influence the overall result.
• They offer a different approach than other types of games, providing a unique and engaging playing environment.
• Many puzzle games incorporate random elements, making them a hybrid. Poker is another great example. Several others in the list of 21 game types can also have hybrid gameplay elements.

What are the 21 types of real money games?

The three real money gaming categories comprise 21 individual game types, forming a collective list demonstrating the wide selection of available options, each option consisting of several variants.

Find the right one that best suits your requirements, interests, and skills and you’ll be on your first steps to a potential real money payout:

What are the key attributes of the real money games on the list?

So, we can see the list of 21 game types covers a broad spectrum of game types, each offering a diverse range of gaming options. Let’s see the individual attributes that separate them from each other:

It’s a list that covers all of the real money games you’re likely to encounter regularly. And maybe some not so regularly. Depending on the game type, they work in different ways, with gameplay for many of them affected heavily by a handful of common factors that underpin how they operate:

How do real money games work?: Key Mechanisms

Real money games work on mechanics that differ depending on types of games.

Mobile app-based games feature simple gameplay that is easy to learn. Each app offers mini-games requiring skill, strategy, or luck to win prizes. Players access daily rewards, bonuses, and community features like chat rooms. New players join free tournaments for experience. Developers continuously add new mini-games and bonus features.

Games that revolve more around gambling and the wagering of money as bets operate on a few key principles that ensure fairness, security, and random outcomes for both players and platform operators:

Random Number Generators (RNG)

The core of a fair chance-based game is the Random Number Generator (RNG). These are special programs that produce sequences of random numbers, ensuring that each game outcome is unpredictable and unbiased.

Reputable platforms use certified RNGs, and many of them will submit their RNGs to independent testing to ensure they provide completely fair and random results.

These algorithms can be either pseudo-random, or true random, but the important thing is that these ensure the games are fair and honest for all players. This helps maintain the integrity of the entire RMG industry and provides players with trust.

The House Edge

The house edge is a built-in mathematical advantage that casinos and gaming platforms have over players in any game. It’s how they can ensure they are still profitable while providing a platform for players.

While the house edge can vary between games, and the types of bets that are made within each game, the overall aim is to guarantee that there will always be an edge in favor of the platform over the long term.

Games like roulette can have a house edge of around 2.7% in the European version, and around 5.26% in the American version, while Blackjack, when played optimally, can have a house edge of only around 0.5%.

RTP

RTP (Return to Player) measures the percentage of wagers a game returns over time. While theoretically fixed, factors like game design, player strategy, and regulatory requirements influence its practical application and impact on player experience.

Provably Fair Technology

Provably fair technology, common in blockchain-based gaming, allows players to cryptographically verify game fairness. It’s a slight outlier since it’s only used on Crypto gambling games.

Provably Fair algorithms use a combination of client seeds (chosen by the player) and server seeds (hashed in advance) to generate outcomes via algorithms like SHA-256.

Players can retroactively validate results using open-source tools, eliminating reliance on third-party audits. This transparency combats operator cheating and builds trust in decentralized platforms. For instance, a Bitcoin dice game might let players input their seed to confirm that a roll was fair, with the result matching the hash-derived output. Equally, the outcomes of crash gambling games can be verified as fair and trustworthy in a similar way.

This system is revolutionary in an industry historically plagued by skepticism.

Payout Mechanisms

When you win, you want to be able to receive your winnings quickly, securely, and conveniently. Payouts in RMGs are usually processed via a variety of secure methods, including cash, bank transfers, e-wallets, and vouchers.

Digital methods tend to be the most popular as they are generally the quickest and most reliable.

Some gaming sites offer super fast payouts for users wanting to quickly access their funds, and others prefer slower, more secure methods.

The methods available to you will always depend on your region, and local laws, so always make sure you are fully aware of which payout methods are available.

Payout Ratios

Payout ratios, known as Return to Player (RTP), define the percentage of wagers a game returns over time. A 95% RTP means the game returns $95 for every $100 wagered, with the remaining 5% as the house edge. RTP ensures fairness, builds trust, and helps players make informed decisions while guiding operator profitability and compliance.

Payout ratios depend on game design, regulations, and technology. High-volatility games, like progressive slots (88–92% RTP), offer bigger but rarer wins, while low-volatility games, such as blackjack (97% RTP), provide consistent returns. Skill-based games like poker allow players to exceed base RTP through expertise.

Variance & Volatility

Variance and volatility define the risk-reward dynamics of real money games. Variance measures how outcomes deviate from the expected RTP, while volatility reflects practical risk—high volatility means rare but large wins, while low volatility offers smaller, steady payouts.

These factors shape gameplay experience, player strategy, and operator revenue models.

Probability

Probability governs real money gaming by defining the likelihood of specific outcomes. It determines the odds of landing a jackpot, drawing a winning poker hand, or predicting a crash game result. Unlike variance and volatility, which describe result fluctuations, probability establishes expected outcomes. This distinction helps players assess fairness and guides operators in balancing risk and reward.

User Security Features & Protocols

User security protocols protect sensitive data and financial transactions. AES-256 encryption safeguards stored information, while TLS 1.3 secures data in transit during payments.

Platforms implement two-factor authentication (2FA) via SMS or apps like Google Authenticator to prevent unauthorized access. Compliance with regulations like GDPR (ensuring EU users’ right to data deletion) and PCI DSS (securing credit card transactions) is mandatory. Advanced fraud detection systems use AI to flag suspicious activity, such as rapid-fire bets from unrecognized devices. For example, a casino using Jumio for KYC checks scans IDs with AI to prevent identity theft. These measures are critical to maintaining user trust and avoiding breaches.

Platform Technologies

A platform’s technical infrastructure determines its accessibility, performance, and scalability.

Cross-platform compatibility (e.g., Unity-built games on iOS/Android) ensures seamless play across devices. APIs like PayPal for fiat deposits or Coinbase Commerce for crypto streamline transactions, while Twilio powers SMS notifications for withdrawals.

Low latency (<150ms) is vital for real-time games like live dealer roulette, often achieved through AWS or Google Cloud servers.

Blockchain integration enables smart contracts for automated payouts in Ethereum-based poker rooms. For example, a live casino using AWS Global Accelerator minimizes lag for global players.
These attributes directly impact player retention and the operational efficiency of gaming sites and apps.

These elements create a balanced gaming ecosystem where operators profit sustainably, players engage confidently, and regulators uphold integrity. Fairness relies on RNGs and provably fair systems, security on encryption and compliance, and engagement on tailored strategies and enticing gameplay. Players gain clarity on odds and risks, operators design ethically, and regulators enforce standards, sustaining industry growth and credibility.

Once you have a firm grasp of these underlying mechanics dictating variance, volatility, probability, security features built into real money games, and you know your gaming will be secure, you’ll be firmly on the road to playing games with a good degree of confidence.

Now, you need to know where to play…or you won’t be playing anything.

Where can I play games for real money?

You can play games for real money at online gambling or gaming sites, on mobile apps, or live ‘in-person’.

From an online perspective, hundreds of websites and apps are dedicated to providing specific or multiple types of cash play opportunities. Visit the individual pages dedicated to these for more detailed information; you can get to them via any of the links on this page or the main menu.

When you do identify where to play, a key consideration will be whether it’s legal. 

Are real money games legal?

Whether real money gaming is legal or not varies wildly depending on local regulations. The advice here is to always check local laws before registering an account, depositing betting funds, and placing wagers.

Checking is especially important if an online casino is involved since the most restrictive rules are always around games of chance.

The regulations around skill games are often more relaxed while free games on mobile apps are usually unrestricted by any regulatory bodies.

Regulation and Responsible Gambling

The regulation of real money games is designed to protect players and ensure a fair environment for everyone, so understanding regulation and responsible gambling are an important part of the process.

Gaming Regulation

Gaming regulation is an important part of the industry, with governmental bodies and regulatory organizations ensuring the industry behaves responsibly and in a way that is fair to players.

These regulatory bodies issue licenses to operators, setting standards for both platform and game design, while monitoring compliance, preventing fraud, and managing the overall integrity of the industry.

Organizations such as the UK Gambling Commission, and Malta Gaming Authority, are responsible for overseeing that gaming platforms behave responsibly in the way they operate. Some operators may choose alternative regulatory bodies, for example by deciding to apply for a Curacao eGaming License.

Responsible Gambling Practices

Responsible gambling is an essential aspect of the RMG industry, aiming to ensure players are safe, protected from potential harm, and do not fall prey to problem gambling issues.

Any player thinking that problem gambling won’t apply to them is well-advised to note that a study by the UK Gambling Commission indicated that around 0.5% of the adult population are classified as problem gamblers. And that’s just in the UK, of course.

Ethical gaming practices encourage responsible behavior, using self-exclusion tools and spending limits to help control user behaviors.

There are many gambling support organizations available to assist players who believe they are developing problem behaviors and require outside support and help. These resources are designed to ensure that games remain fun, while keeping the potential dangers in check.

Those dangers are very real – responsible gambling is more important than ever with increased accessibility. Gambling responsibly is one of the primary strategies for safe and successful gaming when cash is at stake, although there are several more basic playing tips.

Tips for Playing Real Money Games Safely and Successfully

With all of the information here, you should now have a much better understanding of real money games, and be ready to start your journey into the world of online gaming.

Here are a few general tips to get you started on the right foot:

General Gameplay Tips

Start by understanding the rules of each game before you play. You’ll need to fully understand what you are doing before you put your money at risk. Also try a few different games to see which type you enjoy the most, and to see which type of gameplay best suits your playing style.
Keep an eye on your gameplay and make sure it’s always fun and that you’re not playing out of boredom or when you are stressed or upset. Be sure to play with money that you can afford to lose and never chase losses.

Risk Management Tips

Before playing, always have a budget for how much you are prepared to lose. Then make sure that you stick to your budget and never deposit more than you are prepared to lose. Be sure to set time and spending limits for each session, and never play when you are stressed or upset, as this can often lead to bad gameplay decisions. Don’t get caught up chasing losses and trying to win back the money that you have lost.

When to Seek Help

If you find yourself playing too much, or spending too much money, be sure to seek out some form of support. There are many organizations that can offer advice and help, so you are not alone.

Be sure to seek out these organizations and speak with them before your habits become a more serious issue. If you notice that your gameplay is starting to change, it is a good idea to seek out support and help as soon as possible.

What are the best games to play for real money?

Identifying the best game to play for real money depends on your preferences, such as ease of access, entertainment value, skills needed to win, or winning odds. Also, consider if you’re willing to risk losing money from wagers or prefer free-play apps.

The optimal game varies from options within the three main categories and the 21 game types:

• Casino games, scratchcards, and lotteries are ideal for quick returns and rely on luck.
• Skill-based video games or cash tournaments cater to avid gamers.
• Free-to-play games with cash prizes suit those avoiding financial risk.

Your choice also hinges on location legality, budget, risk tolerance, desire for advanced graphics, and preference for innovative or classic games.

RealMoney.games recommended games

Taking all criteria into account, it’s cash prize skill-based games that often provide the best balance of enjoyment, winning chances, and low risk.

Note that several options require a stake to play, and carry the risk of losing. That possibility of losing a stake is not an issue with free game apps, many of which can meet many of the criteria for enjoyable gaming.

Summary

Real money games offer a player a unique combination of entertainment and risk, so it is vital to understand how they work, and also the rules and regulations surrounding the game before you commit to playing.

Whether you prefer the challenge of skill-based competitions or the thrill and risk of games of chance, you’ll find a game that will work for you.

Remember it’ll pay to always approach these games with caution and a responsible attitude to ensure they are fun, safe, and sustainable.

From an industry perspective, real-money games drive technical and regulatory innovation, requiring expertise from operators in econometrics, cybersecurity, and behavioral psychology. The industry must balance player engagement with ethical and legal responsibilities as virtual and real economies merge.

Future advancements in the field of real money gaming will focus on AI-driven regulation and decentralized asset custody, though these solutions will introduce new challenges. For now, there are plenty of different games to try if you’re looking to make some extra cash from gaming.

About The Author

About the Author – Steve Cross

This real money games page was created and written by Steve – RealMoneyGames (AKA chaumi)

Steve Cross is a seasoned gamer and gambler with over 45 years of experience and a knowledgeable authority on real money games, gaming, gambling, and online betting. Steve is the owner of realmoney.games and has been the chief content creator since its inception in 2017.

A keen horse racing enthusiast and casino games player, I have extensive insight into betting on various types of gambling sites and cash app games, complimented by a deep understanding of odds and the betting probabilities involved with playing online cash prize games. I enjoy slots, casino table games, and Texas Hold’em poker for efforts to win money, and playing on mobile rewards apps for leisure.

A deep interest formed in online casino gaming since the early days of internet gambling, combined with several trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas and many evenings spent in London casinos and cardrooms, has contributed to a well-rounded overall level of gambling experience. A trip to Macau is next for gaining further experience.

Fortunately, problem gambling has never been an issue for me. I’ve managed to keep betting activities well within the confines of expendable and disposable income, even managing a handful of high-value big wins along the way. Handling the risks associated with gambling is a skill every player should aspire to.

You’ll recognize me by the username ‘chaumi’ in popular online gambling and webmaster forums like Gambling Portal Webmasters Association (GPWA), Affiliate Guard Dog (AGD), and TalkingHorses.co.uk, where I’m often the recipient of thanks for posting helpful comments in forum threads.

Read more about Steve on the RealMoney.games about us page.