A wager can encourage crime! (4)

I believe the answer is:

abet

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'encourage crime' is the definition.
'abet' can be an answer for 'encourage' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'crime' bit.

'a wager' is the wordplay.
'wager' becomes 'bet' (synonyms).
'a'+'bet'='ABET'

'can' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abet that I've seen before include "Crookedly endorse" , "Aid as in committing crime" , "Incite, help" , "Help in wrongdoing" , "Beat (anag.)" .)

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