Crossword Genius

Start betting cartel (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spring

'start' is the definition.
(both can mean to jump or be startled)

'betting cartel' is the wordplay.
'betting' becomes 'sp'.
'cartel' becomes 'ring' (both can mean a criminal group).
'sp'+'ring'='SPRING'

(Other definitions for spring that I've seen before include "Schumann symphony" , "Leap - part of year" , "Bound < to get out of prison" , "early in the year" , "Leap, well" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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