pay to play

Short definition from Wiktionary

Verb

1. 1
   To incur a cost to participate in an activity.
2. 2
   To incur a cost to participate in an activity: To make a campaign contribution or illegal payment to avail oneself of business or other opportunities controlled by politicians.
3. 3
   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pay, to, play.

Noun

1. 1
   Any kind of charge to engage in an activity.
2. 2
   Any kind of charge to engage in an activity: Campaign contributions (or outright bribes or graft) required to avail oneself of certain opportunities controlled by politicians, such as uncompetitive government contracts.

Adjective

1. 1
   Requiring payment from the player.
2. 2
   Accepting donations in exchange for favors; corrupt.