Level playing field

A metaphorical playing field is said to be level if no external interference affects the ability of the players to compete fairly.

However, they can have the opposite effect, for example if larger firms find it easier to pay for fixed costs of regulation.

[citation needed] Handicapping might be thought of as the opposite concept, of unequal rules designed to make the outcome of play more equal.

Examples of such regulation: building codes, material specifications and zoning restrictions, which create a starting point / a minimum standard --- a "level playing field".

What is meant to "level the playing field" can be subjective, for example when a regulation does not change the probability distribution of outcomes.