pay to play

(by extension) To incur a cost to participate in an activity; especially, in a corrupt way.

(especially US, politics) To make a campaign contribution or illegal payment to avail oneself of business or other opportunities controlled by politicians or civil servants.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pay, to, play.

(especially US, politics) Campaign contributions (or outright bribes or graft) required to avail oneself of certain opportunities controlled by politicians, such as uncompetitive government contracts.

Any kind of charge to engage in an activity.