Initial bet rising in height (4)

I believe the answer is:

ante

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'initial bet' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for ante that I've seen before include "Stake (that may be upped?)" , "Stake put up by a poker-player before receiving cards" , "Pay" , "Prefix meaning before" , "Initial bet" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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