Answer: uptheante

AnswerCrossword Clue
UPTHEANTE

Gamble

UPTHEANTE

Potentially add cost, as in negotiations

UPTHEANTE

Do some stake-raising

UPTHEANTE
Get serious, gambler-style
UPTHEANTE
Make things more interesting, so to speak
UPTHEANTEPlay for higher stakes
UPTHEANTERaise stakes in a game ... and a hint to a hidden feature of five Down puzzle answers
UPTHEANTEPut more at risk
UPTHEANTEMake things more interesting, in a way
UPTHEANTEIntensify a situation
UPTHEANTECall one's bluff
UPTHEANTECall one's bluff, in a way
UPTHEANTELift prior higher?
UPTHEANTEMake entry more difficult