Dictionary

Glossary of game theory terms.

Free Rider / Free Riding

A situation commonly arising in public goods contexts in which players may benefit from the actions of others without contributing (they may free ride). Thus, each person has incentive to allow others to pay for the public good and not personally contribute. In short, the free rider problem occurs because one does not have incentive to account for the global benefits of a private act, such as in the tragedy of the commons game.

updated: 15 August 2005
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