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According to hearsay, gambled on getting legal aid? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abet

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'aid?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for abet that I've seen before include "Help a criminal" , "Encourage (wrongdoing)" , "Aid (a criminal)" , "Aid in offence" , "Assist illegally" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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