Wouldn’t it be amazing to turn what you love into a source of income? The good news is there are plenty of ways you can get paid to play right here in the UK. Whether you’re into video games, sports, or creative hobbies, there’s likely an opportunity for you to earn money while playing and doing what you enjoy.
This guide will walk you through several exciting (and realistic) options, along with tips to make the most of them. Our aim is not just to inspire you, but to equip you with actionable advice on how to get started. Let’s explore how you can play and get paid while you’re at it!
1. Get Paid to Play Video Games
For those who love gaming, this might sound like a dream come true. You can earn money while playing your favourite video games, and the best part is that you don’t necessarily have to be a pro player to get started. Here are a few popular ways to turn your gaming skills into income:
a) Streaming on Platforms Like Twitch
Twitch is one of the most popular platforms for gamers who want to live-stream their gameplay. By broadcasting your sessions, you can build an audience who might enjoy watching you play – whether it’s for your skill, commentary, or even just your personality.
On Twitch, you can earn money through:
- Subscriptions: Viewers pay a monthly fee to subscribe to your channel.
- Donations: Fans often tip their favourite streamers.
- Ad Revenue: Ads shown during your streams can generate income.
- Sponsorships: Gaming companies or brands may pay you to promote their products.
Tip: Start small. Even if you’re not highly skilled, being entertaining and consistent will help you grow your audience over time.
b) Become a Content Creator on YouTube
YouTube is another fantastic platform where gamers can get paid to play. Create videos such as tutorials, reaction videos, or “Let’s Plays” to showcase your gaming skills. Once your channel grows, you can monetize it through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
Pro Tip: Posting regularly and covering trending games can dramatically increase your chances of success. Engaging with your audience in the comment section goes a long way, too.
c) Compete in Tournaments
If you’re highly skilled at particular games, such as FIFA or Fortnite, you can enter eSports tournaments or smaller online competitions to win cash prizes. While this path requires practice and dedication, it could also open doors to sponsorships or professional gaming careers.
Look out for local and UK-based gaming competitions—many of them have free entry and cash rewards for top players.
d) Game Testing
Game developers in the UK (like Ubisoft Reflections or Codemasters) often need testers to try out their new titles. Game testing can involve playing unfinished versions of a game and giving feedback on bugs or gameplay issues. It’s a fun way to earn while contributing to the gaming industry.
Websites like TT Games Careers or Indeed often list game tester job opportunities.
2. Earn Money While Playing Sports
If gaming isn’t your thing but you enjoy being outdoors or staying active, you can still get paid to play through sports. Here’s how to make money doing something active and enjoyable:
a) Become a Sports Coach
If you have experience in a sport—whether it’s football, tennis, or swimming—you could become a coach for kids or adults. There’s a growing demand for sports coaching in the UK, with many schools, clubs, and even fitness centres offering job opportunities or freelance gigs.
To get started, you might need some basic coaching qualifications (depending on the sport) and a DBS check for working with children.
You can look into:
- The FA Level 1 Football Coaching Certificate if you’re into football.
- National governing body certifications for other sports.
b) Join Local Competitions
Many local sports leagues in the UK offer monetary prizes for winners or highly skilled participants. This could be anything from Sunday league football tournaments to amateur tennis competitions. It’s an excellent way to combine your passion for sports with some pocket money.
c) Offer Personal Training
If you’re into fitness or a specific sport, you can help others by offering lessons or personalised training sessions. Sites like TruBe or SweatCoin can help connect you with clients.
For example:
- Teach people beginner-level skills in sports like badminton.
- Share fitness routines tailored to specific goals (e.g., weight loss or strength-building).
If you’re social, you can also offer group lessons, turning it into a fun way to earn more.
d) Referee or Umpire
Did you know that referees get paid? Most grassroots sports matches in the UK need referees or umpires, and the role often pays well for just a few hours of work. If you know the rules of your favourite sport and enjoy watching it, refereeing could be a uniquely rewarding way to get involved.
For example, many football referees start with casual local matches and work their way up, all while earning along the way.
3. Get Paid to Play with Your Hobbies
Your everyday hobbies could become a source of income if approached strategically. Here are some ideas:
a) Create and Sell Handmade Items
Love crafting, painting, or designing? Sites like Etsy or Not on the High Street are perfect for selling handmade goods. Whether it’s jewellery, customised gifts, or home décor, there’s a market for unique, well-made products.
Pro Tip: Offering personalisation (e.g., custom names, dates, or designs) can help you stand out and attract more customers.
b) Tabletop Games and Roleplaying
If you’re a fan of board games or roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, you could get paid to play by hosting events. For instance:
- Offer to run unique D&D campaigns for paying groups.
- Set up game nights at local venues and charge entry fees.
There’s a growing niche for this kind of entertainment in the UK, especially among adults looking for social and creative outlets.
c) Photography Hobbies
Enjoy capturing special moments or nature scenes? You can sell stock photography on websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Alamy. Whether you’re taking photos of iconic UK locations or creative abstract shots, there’s demand for quality images.
Even better, this doesn’t feel like work if photography is already a passion!
d) Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Spending time with furry friends isn’t just fun—it can pay the bills, too! Platforms like Rover or Tailster connect pet owners with people who can help with sitting or walking their dogs. If you love pets, this option feels more like play than work.
Rates vary depending on the task and time, but services like overnight stays or extended walks often pay well.
4. Teach or Share What You Love Doing
Finally, a great way to earn money while playing is by teaching or sharing your skills with others. This is perfect for people who enjoy sharing their passions, whether that’s dance, music, or even unique skills like juggling.
a) Host Workshops or Classes
If you’re good at a specific activity (like cooking, knitting, or coding for fun), consider hosting workshops. For example:
- Teach baking classes for beginners.
- Run art events where participants follow along as you create.
You can advertise your classes on platforms like Meetup or through social media. Additionally, there’s always demand for online workshops with the rise of remote learning.
b) Get Paid Apps for Competitions or Skills
Try using platforms like Skillz Games, which allow players to compete in skill-based games for cash prizes. These apps are active worldwide, catering to UK users too. Just keep an eye out for legitimate ones—always read reviews before joining.
c) Online Tutoring
Turn your skills into income by becoming an online tutor. Platforms like Tutorful or MyTutor connect tutors with students across the UK. For example:
- If you’re good at a musical instrument, teach kids beginner lessons.
- If you excel at chess, you could guide others to improve their play!
This flexible option lets you decide your rates and availability.
Final Words of Advice
Getting paid to play is entirely possible in the UK, as long as you’re proactive and creative about exploring new opportunities. The best part is that you don’t have to quit your day job immediately. Many of these options can be started as side hustles, where you gradually scale your efforts as you gain confidence and steady income.
Here’s the key to success:
- Stay consistent—whether you’re gaming, crafting, or teaching.
- Find your niche and focus on what makes you unique.
- Learn the basics of self-promotion, especially through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
You’d be amazed at what’s possible when you combine your passions with a bit of strategy. Now, it’s your turn—find something you love doing and get paid to play!