The only time i've paid, and maybe even rare, was at the end of falling chairs for a firewall before they were released with the pirate pins set. I made it to the last two but she put the chair on opposite side of room from me. She did give it to the guy, so either it was legit or if it was a scam she knew him. Any other time I've gone in game rooms (I don't do cute or boot!), usually because my kids ask me to, I just say boot if I lose.
Mal has a players guide as a sticky with very useful information. That is where new players should look for any info needed and great tips.