Chinese auction is a type of the all-pay auction, where the probability of winning depends on the relative size of a participant's bid.[1] The choice of the winner is done by a lottery, whereby the bidders compete for a higher chance of winning.[1]

It is also known as penny raffle, chance auction and tricky tray.[2][3]

Etymology

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The origin of the name is unknown[1] but is thought to originated from the 19th Century when the term "Chinese" came to be used to mean cheap and described the inexpensive cost of the raffle and prizes.[2][4]

There is no connection to Chinese culture.[2]

Significance

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Chinese auctions are usually conducted during charity events for fundraising.[5] Political elections and patent races can be modeled as Chinese auctions, in which the chance of winning is seen as proportional to the amount spent.[6]

Controversy

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Some sources consider the term "chinese auction" as derogatory.[2][7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Benegas, Mauricio (1 January 2015). "Bidding behavior in a symmetric Chinese auction". EconomiA. 16 (1): 93–110. doi:10.1016/j.econ.2015.03.003. hdl:10419/179589. ISSN 1517-7580. S2CID 154752695.
  2. ^ a b c d "Opinion: With Certain Words, Watch Your Mouth". The New York Times. 12 March 2006. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  3. ^ MCLENNAN, Andy (2018). "Efficient disposal equilibria of pseudomarkets" (PDF). Workshop on Game Theory: 8.
  4. ^ Carlin, Blair (5 August 2020). "What's a Chinese Auction? Overview & Modern Alternatives". OneCause. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  5. ^ Heiss, Renee (2007). Helping Kids Help: Organizing Successful Charitable Projects. Chicago Review Press. ISBN 978-1-56976-211-0.
  6. ^ Shor, Mikhael. "Chinese Auction - Game Theory .net". www.gametheory.net. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Nothing Chinese about an auction". Lewiston Sun Journal. 12 September 2019. Retrieved 19 July 2024.