The base for many a sporting deal (4,5)

I believe the answer is:

card table

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'the base' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

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

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for card table that I've seen before include "Place for bridge" , "wanted also for bridge" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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