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The optimal prize structure of symmetric Tullock contests

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Abstract

We show that the optimal prize structure of symmetric n-player Tullock tournaments assigns the entire prize pool to the winner, provided that a symmetric pure strategy equilibrium exists. If such an equilibrium fails to exist under the winner-take-all structure, we construct the optimal prize structure which improves existence conditions by dampening efforts. If no such optimal equilibrium exists, no symmetric pure strategy equilibrium induces positive efforts.

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Correspondence to Paul Schweinzer.

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Schweinzer, P., Segev, E. The optimal prize structure of symmetric Tullock contests. Public Choice 153, 69–82 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11127-011-9774-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11127-011-9774-2

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