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

As Mr. Dimon pointed out, there are no such pay-to-play federal rules affecting unions or people in real estate and other industries that provide services to the government.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

The White House declined to give details on just who is funding the ballroom, and the opaque response raised concerns that the project may serve as a pay-to-play opportunity for those who wish to curry favor with the administration.

From Los Angeles Times

But Mr Painter suggested it could be considered a "pay-to-play scheme", which has dogged previous White House administrations of both political parties.

From BBC

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