Two-Up: Exploring the Aussie Tradition Steeped in Anzac Day Observances

Two-up, a traditional Australian gambling game, involves spinning two pennies into the air and betting on the outcome of whether they land on heads or tails. The primary game involves the spinner and boxer, where the spinner aims to toss two heads in three consecutive rounds. Secondary betting among spectators occurs, with individuals wagering on heads or tails, holding their bets until the outcome is determined. The winner of the side bets and the spinner's fate depend on the coin toss result. If three consecutive heads are tossed, the spinner wins; if two tails are tossed, the spinner loses. Two-up is typically played on ANZAC Day, with regulations varying state-by-state.

Two-Up: A Comprehensive Guide to Australia's Anzac Day Tradition

Introduction

Anzac Day, solemnly observed on the 25th of April each year, holds deep significance for Australia. It is a day of remembrance and commemoration for the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Traditional activities such as the dawn service, bacon and egg rolls, and a few drinks form an integral part of Anzac Day observances. One such tradition that has become synonymous with this solemn occasion is the game of two-up.

Origins of Two-Up

Two-up, a traditional Australian gambling game, traces its roots back to pitch and toss, a simple game involving tossing a single coin in the air and betting on its outcome. Over time, a second coin was added, giving birth to the iconic game of two-up.

Its popularity surged in 18th-century England, particularly among impoverished English and Irish citizens. As the gold rush drew hopeful settlers from around the globe to Australia in the 1800s, they brought with them not only their dreams of fortune but also their cherished pastimes, including two-up. By the 1850s, the game had become a staple pastime in the goldfields of Kalgoorlie and Broken Hill.

Two-Up during World War I

Two-up's enduring popularity continued throughout the early 1900s, reaching a poignant peak during World War I. Australian soldiers, deployed in the trenches and aboard troopships, found solace and camaraderie in the game. This wartime association cemented two-up's strong connection to Anzac Day, a day that honors the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

How to Play Two-Up

Played primarily in pubs and clubs, two-up involves two main types of betting activities. The primary game involves two key roles: the 'spinner' and the 'boxer' or 'ringkeeper.' The spinner, holding two coins (known as pennies) with their tails marked by a distinctive white cross, throws the coins into the air using a flat paddle called a 'kip.' The objective is to land two heads in three consecutive rounds. The spinner places their bet with the boxer, who then seeks a matching opposite bet from someone in the crowd.

Meanwhile, secondary betting takes place among spectators. Individuals signal their bets on 'heads' or 'tails' by tapping a banknote on their head or against their waist or buttocks, respectively. A 'heads' bettor typically taps their head with a banknote, while a 'tails' bettor taps a banknote against their waist or buttocks. Spectators find someone displaying the opposite bet to pair with, and the 'heads' bettor holds the total cash being wagered while the game is in progress.

Before the spinner releases the coins, the boxer makes the call "Final Bets" or "All bets are off," signaling the end of the betting phase. If the spinner successfully lands two heads in three consecutive rounds, their bet is doubled in each round, leading to a potential win of $40 from an initial $5 bet. However, if the spinner tosses two tails at any point, they forfeit their original wager, and a new spinner takes over to start a new game.

After the boxer announces the outcome of the coin toss, bets are settled accordingly. Individuals who bet on heads collect the money if the result is 'heads,' while those who bet on tails collect their winnings if the result is 'tails.'

Laws of Two-Up in Australia

The legality of two-up varies from state to state in Australia. Despite the common misconception that it is illegal on all days except Anzac Day, several states have relaxed their regulations.

• New South Wales: The most liberal two-up laws can be found in New South Wales. It is legal to play two-up on three days: Anzac Day (25th April), Victory in the Pacific Day (15th August), and Remembrance Day (11th November after midday). Social entertainment permits anyone to play, while registered clubs can host two-up games as fundraisers.
• Victoria: Two-up is permitted in Victoria at RSL clubs, sub-branches, or any venue utilized by the RSL on Anzac Day or during commemorative functions leading up to it.
• Queensland: A two-up game is legal in Queensland if hosted by an RSL, Services Club, or licensed premises that have obtained written permission from an RSL sub-branch for an official Anzac Day event or another designated day of remembrance for military veterans.
• South Australia: Anzac Day is the only day when two-up is legal in South Australia. It can be played only on premises owned or operated by the Returned Services League or the Australian Defence Forces.
• Western Australia: Western Australia has stricter two-up laws. Clubs seeking to host two-up on Anzac Day must submit a written application to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. If the venue is within a 100km radius of Crown Perth, permission must be obtained from the casino or, on Anzac Day, from The Minister for Racing and Gaming.
• Tasmania: Two-up is permitted only on Anzac Day, between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, and only on premises where the majority of members are former members of the defence forces.
• ACT: Two-up is legal on Anzac Day as long as no charge, commission, or fee is involved, except for charitable purposes.
• Northern Territory: RSL clubs may host two-up games on Anzac Day.

Note:

Two notable exceptions exist: Broken Hill in New South Wales has secured a special license from the NSW government, and a solitary shed in Kalgoorlie hosts two-up on Sunday afternoons. These are the only two places in Australia where two-up is legal year-round.

Conclusion

Two-up has played an enduring role in Australian history, transcending its origins as a simple gambling game to become a symbol of national identity and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers. As a tradition that continues to be cherished on Anzac Day, two-up serves as a testament to the resilience and camaraderie that have shaped Australia's national character.