A historical overview of two-up

Unlike other forms of legalised gambling, the game of two-up has a unique place in Australia's national character. This has arisen from its association with Gallipoli and the First World War generally, where two-up was played in the trenches and on the troop ships. It also has a strong link with the Australian outback, particularly among rural workers such as miners and shearers.

Prior to 1989, it was illegal to conduct games of two-up. In that year, the playing of two-up on Anzac Day was made lawful by an amendment to the Gaming and Betting laws. This was in acknowledgment of its status as a national game and the wide community acceptance of the game being played on Anzac Day.

While the game could thereafter be lawfully played at any location in New South Wales on Anzac Day, this was conditional on the game being played on a non-profit basis. The only exception to this restriction related to registered clubs, where the game could be played on Anzac Day for profit provided the profits were directed to the benefit of charitable organisations. It is also required that no entrance fee be charged for access to premises where the game is played.

The Gaming and Betting laws were further amended in 1992 to permit the conduct of two-up by the Broken Hill City Council. This followed the closure of the long established, yet illegal, Crystal Lane two-up school in Broken Hill in 1984. The game of two-up was an established part of the cultural heritage of this mining city and the Crystal Lane two-up school in particular had become well known throughout Australia, evolving into a tourist attraction.

Following a two-year trial of the extended playing of two-up on commemorative days in addition to Anzac Day conducted in 2005 and 2006, the laws were amended so that two-up could be played on Victory in the Pacific Day (15 August) and Remembrance Day (11 November).

The same conditions and requirements that applied to the playing of games of two-up on Anzac Day applied equally to these other commemorative days. except that on Remembrance Day games may not be played until after noon. This is to ensure that the solemnity of morning services will be properly observed.

Both in Broken Hill, and on Anzac Day, two-up is conducted in accordance with the traditional rules of the game. The usual rules of two-up are relatively straightforward. The 'ringkeeper' controls the 'spinner' and the conduct of the game. The 'spinner' places two pennies on the 'kip' and tosses them. The pennies must have spun at least two metres over the head of the 'spinner' and must not come into contact with any object or person and must land within the boundaries of the 'ring' to be a valid toss. Players bet on either two tails or two heads coming uppermost when the pennies land. No other result is valid.