Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. (Aus., also anty-up) the game of poker.

1881		A.C. Grant Bush-Life in Queensland II 169: Two or three men crawl out from underneath the tarpaulin [...] where they have been playing ‘Anty-up’ (a favourite game with cards).
1893		Illus. Aus. News (Melbourne) Nov. 194/3: Some have spent their money with the itinerant hawkers; others have lost it in ‘ante-up’ [AND].
1905		‘Another Fall of Rain’ in ‘Banjo’ Paterson Old Bush Songs 29: Some are playing music and some play ante up.
1909		R.A. Wason Happy Hawkins 17: The ante-up bunch was grinning wickedly.
1955		Stewart & Keesing Aus. Bush Ballads 232: Some will be playing music, while some play ante-up.

2. an advance payment, lit. or fig.

1901		‘Rolf Boldrewood’ In Bad Company 218: Now I’m on to the part of the play when the ‘ante-up’ comes in. You mind me, you young fellers, it always does sooner or later.
1924		G.H. Lawson Dict. of Aus. Words And Terms 🌐 ANTE UP — A surrender.