Gaming stake (4)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
ante
'gaming stake' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for ante that I've seen before include "See what gambler risks" , "Advance stake" , "Initial bet" , "Betting stake" , "not post" .)