The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word WINNINGS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
I
N
N
I
N
G
S
More clues leading to the result WINNINGS
- Charming lass’s last gains
- What bookies pay out after Worcestershire’s first spell at the crease
- Factions claiming local gains
- Money from gambling factions divided by pub
- Spoils Worcestershire opener’s time at the crease
- Success for better local in theatrical parts
- Part of test on wife showing pounds gained, say
- Proceeds with life
- Prize money first won at the crease?
- West Indian bridge player Newton gets gin cocktail with some small earnings from gambling
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "What bookies pay out" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case what bookies pay out = winnings.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 WINNINGS mean?
WINNINGS noun- The act of obtaining something, as in a contest or by competition.
- (chiefly in the plural) The money, etc., gained by success in competition or contest, especially in gambling.
- A new opening.
- The portion of a coalfield out for working.
- The spoils of a win; something, usually money, that has been won, usually by gambling.