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Solitaire Smash Review — Is It Legit and Worth Your Time?

Back to libraryMackenzie Raetz, CEPF®Apr 18, 2026
Solitaire Smash Review — Is It Legit and Worth Your Time?

by

Senior Editor of Freelance

ScoreCard Research

If you’re an iOS user who has some decent solitaire skills, you could be winning some cash with Solitaire Smash. In fact, it’s one of The Penny Hoarder’s 24 Games That Pay Real Money.

Solitaire Smash appeals to both enthusiasts and more casual players. Even players who live in states with restrictions on cash tournaments can enjoy the game with virtual currency.

But if you’re wondering if Solitaire Smash is legit, the short answer is yes. There are some drawbacks, namely the possibility of losing money. If you’re curious about how it works and how much money you could make, here’s our Solitaire Smash review.

Solitaire Smash is a mobile app where you can play traditional Klondike Solitaire and potentially win money doing it. You can compete in real-time against others in Solitaire Smash tournaments on an even playing field, as players use identical decks.

Matches also are timed. Players have three minutes to arrange their cards and get the highest score possible. But don’t let that make you nervous. You can play free rounds to practice if you want. It’s the paid tournaments, however, where you can win real cash prizes. 

The game is available on iOS devices and is intended for players 18 and older. As with other games that pay real money, whether you can participate in cash tournaments depends on your location and state laws.

The game is generally the same whether you are playing with real money or virtual currency called gems. Here’s how it works: 

Gameplay Basics

You start by making sequences of similar cards in the four foundations in the top left corner. Put the uncovered Ace there and build upon it with cards of the same type in ascending order. Then, maneuver cards to establish sequences in descending order with alternating colors. Use Kings to fill empty columns and tap the stockpile to unveil new cards to play. You can redraw as needed. There is an undo function so you can revisit previous moves. You’ll need to try to clear the board swiftly for higher scores and bonuses.

Cash Tournaments and Entry Fees

The primary way to earn money with Solitaire Smash is through participating in cash tournaments. These tournaments require a small entry fee, typically ranging from $5 to $20, and the prize pools can vary from $5 to over $100. The top players in a tournament share the prize pool. However, it’s important to note that if you don’t place highly, you risk losing the money you spent to enter the tournament. Free games are available if you’re not comfortable with the risk of losing money. 

How Winners Are Determined

You win a share of the prize pool by being one of the top scoring players. Everyone plays with the same cards, so to get a competitive advantage, practice your speed and accuracy first. 

We downloaded the Solitaire Smash app to play both free and paid modes, as well as review the payout process.

Our testing included:

  • Installing the app and setting up a profile
  • Playing free practice games to understand scoring
  • Entering paid tournaments with real money
  • Tracking wins, losses and time spent playing
  • Testing the withdrawal process and payout options

Yes, Solitaire Smash is a legitimate gaming app that you can get through the Apple App Store. It has generally positive reviews from users. It has an average rating of 4.8 stars based on nearly 183,000 reviews. It also uses secure payment methods for both deposits and withdrawals for a safe gaming experience.

However, it is important to have realistic expectations about how much money you will win. It’s not a guarantee you will win money, and how much you win will depend on how often and how well you play. Although there are positive reviews of the game, negative reviews express frustration with how much money you win.

And not every state allows you to play for cash. Cash tournaments are unavailable in AZ, AR, CT, DE, IN, IA, LA, ME, MT, SC, SD, and TN. If you are in these states, you can still enjoy the game using virtual currency for a fun experience. Also, some users have said they believe they’ve been matched against bots, making it more difficult to win.

You can win real money playing Solitaire Smash. However, how much all depends on how often you play and how often you win. Expect to pay an entry fee of about $5 to $20. Then prize pools range from $5 to over $100. Players who place highly in these tournaments share the prize pool. It uses secure payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, like PayPal and Apple Pay.

Sure, it’s possible to win a decent amount, but it’s also possible to not win back the money you put in if you don’t play well in that game. It’s all about having reasonable expectations and keeping the risks in mind.

You can win a little money and have fun competing with Solitaire Smash, but there are risks to consider. Here are some pros and cons. 

If you’re looking to make enough money to replace your day job, this may not be the app for you. However, Solitaire Smash may be a good fit for you if: 

  • You like fast-paced solitaire games
  • You see paid tournaments as entertainment rather than a way to make a lot of money
  • Setting spending limits won’t be an issue

There’s more to know than simply the rules of solitaire before you get started. Here are some important bits of information about Solitaire Smash:

  • You can lose money through entry fees
  • Players cash out winnings through methods like Apple Pay, PayPal or direct bank deposit
  • Skill level and focus strongly affect outcomes
  • You can’t withdraw bonus cash. That must be used for entering cash tournaments.
  • There’s a $1 withdrawal processing fee
  • Cash tournaments are restricted in AZ, AR, CT, DE, IN, IA, LA, ME, MT, SC, SD, and TN (users can still enjoy the game using virtual currency)
  • It is up to you to play responsibly and not spend any money you’re not comfortable with losing

Here are short answers to common questions about Solitaire Smash.

Solitaire Smash is legit, but that doesn’t mean everyone makes a profit.
You can win actual cash, but you could lose entry fees. How much money you make depends on how much you win and which tournaments you play in.

No, you don’t have to pay to play Solitaire Smash.
There are free practice games available and the paid tournaments are optional.

Yes, withdrawals are possible if you meet the requirements.
Players who win money can request withdrawals through supported payout methods. Minimum withdrawal amounts and fees may apply.

There isn’t a specific amount you’ll win. It depends on the prize pool and whether or not you out-score your competitors.

No, Solitaire Smash isn’t available everywhere. Although free games are an option, cash tournaments are restricted in AZ, AR, CT, DE, IN, IA, LA, ME, MT, SC, SD, and TN.

Solitaire Smash is one of many real-money game apps that allow you to compete in cash tournaments and win prizes. Here is our guide to the best games that pay real money.

If you want to stick with solitaire as you explore more real-money apps, here is our list of the most popular solitaire game options

Solitaire enthusiasts will enjoy competing and may even win some money along the way. Although the app is legit, there is the risk of losing money in tournaments, and you shouldn’t expect to win a boat load. Practice as much as you can ahead of time, keep your expectations realistic and don’t play with money you can’t afford to lose. And if you’re looking for a side gig that makes you more money, there are other options.

Solitaire Smash iOS DOWNLOAD

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