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 • Oct. 24, 2025

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 • Aug. 28, 2025

Citing a whistleblower, they claim Universal potentially made "covert payments" to iHeart as part of a "pay-to-play scheme" to promote the song.

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2024

It was billed as one of the nation’s most ambitious efforts to end pay-to-play in contracting and designed to fundamentally change the political culture of a state steeped in corruption.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2024

Like many sports, lacrosse has turned into a pay-to-play situation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2024