Buy-in: Play money vs. freeroll vs. real money
A “buy-in” is the amount that each player must pay to enter a tournament. The buy-in can be in play money (fictive), real money (for ex. $10), or $0 (none). The latter are also called freerolls as they cost nothing but award a (small) real money prize pool. They are popular among beginners for the unique opportunity to build up a bankroll without making a deposit.