Looking for the meaning or definition of the word pay to play? Here's what it means.
Verb
Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see pay, to, play.
(by extension) To incur a cost to participate in an activity
especially (US, politics) To make a campaign contribution or illegal payment to avail oneself of business or other opportunities controlled by politicians
Noun
Any kind of charge to engage in an activity
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.