Crossword Genius

Even so, bet hats aided participants (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

that said

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'even' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'bet hats aided participants' is the wordplay.
'participants' indicates a hidden word (some letters 'participating' in the clue).
'THAT SAID' can be found hidden inside 'bet hats aided'.

'so' acts as a link.

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I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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