The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word EVENS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
V
E
N
S
More clues leading to the result EVENS
- Yet these might be the odds
- Game of rugby to start late, as likely as not?
- Number initially brought down, such as four and six
- Odds? Yes and no
- Head to the end of 7 levels
- Straightens out partners following initial mate
- It’s 50/50 First Lady adopts new style
- Bookies never returned to cover bet
- Chance in card game initially blown
- Rugby game doesn’t start at these odds
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Chance" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case chance = evens.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EVENS mean?
EVENS noun- (diminutive) An even number.
- To make flat and level.
- To equal.
- To be equal.
- To place in an equal state, as to obligation, or in a state in which nothing is due on either side; to balance, as accounts; to make quits.
- To set right; to complete.
- To act up to; to keep pace with.
- Evening.