pay-to-play

American  

[pley-tuh-pley] / ˈpleɪ təˈpleɪ /

adjective

1. relating to or denoting the policy or practice of paying a fee to play a game at the time the game is played.

   If you can’t afford a club membership, find a place that offers pay-to-play handball.

2. relating to or denoting an unethical or illicit arrangement in which payment is made by those who want certain privileges or advantages in such arenas as business, politics, sports, and entertainment.

   a pay-to-play system encouraged by drug corporations.

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Usage

What does pay-to-play mean? Pay-to-play refers to situations where one must exchange money to engage in an activity or to earn favors or influence.

Etymology

Origin of pay-to-play

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Mr. Dimon is referring to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s so-called pay-to-play rule.

From The Wall Street Journal

A 2023 state law bans such “pay-to-play” arrangements — but college officials say it is difficult to enforce and the law is vague about what exactly is forbidden.

From Los Angeles Times

Page had led a bipartisan bloc on the County Council against Stenger, who was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for a pay-to-play scheme that steered county contracts to political donors.

From Salon

According to Ortiz, the idea to create a space for “real ones” was born in the spring of 2022 as a counter to L.A.’s notoriously predatory “pay-to-play” live music scene.

From Los Angeles Times

Pay-to-play is a custom where fledgling artists are given a set number of tickets they have for pre-sale in order to perform at a venue.

From Los Angeles Times