Lyla Lindsey
Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game, involving a designated spinner throwing two coins into the air. Players bet on whether the coins will fall with both heads up, both tails up, or one of each. The game is illegal in Australia due to its classification as unregulated gambling, which poses potential issues with fairness and societal impact. However, it is an iconic game with historical roots dating back to the 18th century among convicts and has been played by Australian soldiers during significant wars, including World War 1. As a result of its association with Anzac Day, the game is generally permitted on this day and a few days leading up to it, as well as Victory in the Pacific Day and Remembrance Day afternoon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality in Australia | Illegal except on ANZAC Day, Victory in the Pacific Day, and Remembrance Day afternoon |
| Reasons for exception on ANZAC Day | Honouring Australian soldiers who played the game during World War 1 |
| Reasons for illegality | Unregulated gambling |
| Legal defences | Participants unaware of the game's illegality |
| Restrictions on ANZAC Day | No entry fee, no payment to participate beyond betting, no commission on bets or winnings, no minors |
| Penalties for illegal play | 50 penalty units ($5,500) and/or imprisonment for 12 months |
| Equipment | Two coins (traditionally pennies), a wooden board or paddle ("kip") |
| Gameplay | Players bet on the outcome of the coin toss (heads, tails, or one of each) |
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What You'll Learn
Two-up is illegal due to unregulated gambling laws
Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game with roots dating back to the 18th century among convicts. It gained popularity among Australian soldiers during World War 1 as a form of entertainment and camaraderie. The game is traditionally played with two coins, usually Australian pennies, flipped into the air by a designated "spinner". Players bet on whether the coins will land with both heads up, both tails up, or one of each (known as "odds").
Despite its cultural significance, two-up is illegal in Australia except on specific days like ANZAC Day, Victory in the Pacific Day, and Remembrance Day. The primary reason for its illegality is its classification as unregulated gambling, which poses potential issues with fairness and societal impact. Gambling laws in Australia have strict regulations to limit the harmful effects of illegal gambling. Allowing unregulated gambling activities could lead to concerns about fairness in the games and negative consequences for society.
Amendments to laws in the 1980s created exceptions to the legality of two-up on ANZAC Day to honour the soldiers who played it during World War 1. The game holds symbolic value on ANZAC Day, softening public perception from a form of gambling to a time-honoured tradition. However, outside of these designated days, two-up remains illegal due to its unregulated nature, which does not align with Australia's gambling legislation.
The enforcement of these laws falls under various gaming and gambling legislation, with specific provisions addressing the legality of two-up on the days it is permitted. There are also restrictions in place for when and where two-up can be played legally. For example, there cannot be any payment for entry or participation in the game, excluding bets. Additionally, minors are prohibited from participating in or betting on two-up games, with significant penalties for violations.
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It's traditionally played on ANZAC Day
Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game that is illegal to play throughout the year, except on ANZAC Day. The game is usually classified as illegal due to its status as an unregulated form of gambling. However, its association with ANZAC Day and Australian soldiers means that it is traditionally played on this day and is generally met with public and law enforcement approval.
The game's connection to ANZAC Day stems from its history as a pastime for Australian soldiers during World War 1, particularly during the Gallipoli campaign. It was played in the trenches, providing entertainment, camaraderie, and a sense of playful spirit amid the dangers of warfare. As a result, playing two-up on ANZAC Day is seen as a way to honour and remember the soldiers who fought and died in World War 1.
Over the years, every Australian state and territory has amended gambling laws to explicitly legalise two-up on ANZAC Day, recognising its cultural and historical significance. This exception to the law is often codified in legislation, such as Section 14 of the Unlawful Gambling Act 1998, ensuring that the game can be played without fear of legal repercussions.
The game is traditionally played in pubs, clubs, and RSL branches on ANZAC Day, with people gathering in a circle to bet on the outcome of the coin toss. While the game is generally illegal outside of ANZAC Day, there are a few other days when it can be played in certain states. For example, in Victoria, two-up can be played in the week leading up to ANZAC Day, and in NSW, it is permitted on Victory in the Pacific Day and Remembrance Day afternoon.
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There are rules and restrictions for playing on ANZAC Day
Two-up is an iconic Australian gambling game with roots dating back to the 18th century. It gained popularity among Australian soldiers during World War I as a form of entertainment and camaraderie. Despite its cultural significance, the game is generally illegal due to its classification as unregulated gambling. However, there is an exception to this rule on ANZAC Day, a day of remembrance honouring soldiers and veterans.
Over the last three decades, Australian states and territories have amended their gambling laws to legalise two-up on ANZAC Day, with certain conditions in place. While the specific rules and restrictions may vary across regions, some general guidelines include:
- Minors (those under 18 or 21) are prohibited from participating or betting on two-up games, with penalties for violations.
- Lawful two-up games should not involve an entry fee or payment beyond betting. Any money wagered must be returned as winnings, and profits are often donated to charities supporting veterans and their families.
- The game typically requires two pennies or coins, a spinner (who tosses the coins), a ringie (who calls the results), and a group of people to bet on the outcome.
- The spinner stands in the centre of the ring and tosses the coins off a wooden paddle called a kip.
- Bets are placed on whether the coins will land on heads or tails, and there are additional rules regarding odds and the spinner's share.
- In some locations, such as Victoria, permission from the local RSL or specific government departments is required to conduct two-up games.
While two-up is primarily associated with ANZAC Day, it is worth noting that in certain regions, such as New South Wales and Broken Hill, the game is also legal on additional days like Victory in the Pacific Day and Remembrance Day (after 12 pm).
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The game has been depicted in Australian films and music
The game of two-up has been depicted in Australian films as early as 1919. The Sentimental Bloke, directed by Raymond Longford, features a scene where the protagonist Bill and his friend Ginger Mick play an illegal game of two-up at the back of premises in inner-city Sydney. The film includes details that would have been familiar to audiences at the time, such as the lookout ("cockatoo") keeping watch for police and the clothes worn by gang members. The film broke box-office records in Australia upon its release.
The 1921 silent film A Girl of the Bush also features a detailed depiction of a two-up school, including the way bets are placed and coins are tossed, ending with a police raid. Other films that include scenes of two-up are Forty Thousand Horsemen (1940), The Sundowners (1960), and Wake in Fright (1971).
The game has also been referenced in Australian music. In 1978, the Australian group Little River Band released their fourth album Sleeper Catcher, which featured the band and others on the cover playing two-up.
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Two-up is played in casinos in Perth, Melbourne, and Darwin
Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game with roots dating back to the 18th century. It involves a "spinner" throwing two coins into the air, and players bet on whether the coins will land with two heads, two tails, or one of each (known as "odds"). The game is traditionally played in pubs and clubs throughout Australia on Anzac Day to commemorate the soldiers who played it during World War I.
While two-up is generally illegal in Australia due to its classification as unregulated gambling, there are specific days when it is permitted, including Anzac Day, Victory in the Pacific Day, and Remembrance Day afternoon. On these days, the game is played in registered clubs for charity benefits, and minors are prohibited from participating or betting.
Outside of these specific days, the legality of playing two-up varies across different states and territories in Australia. In some states, it may be permitted in certain licensed venues or casinos under specific regulations.
In Perth, Melbourne, and Darwin, two-up is typically played in casinos or designated venues. These venues often have specific rules and regulations in place to ensure compliance with local laws and to maintain a safe and fair gaming environment for participants.
For example, in Perth, there may be dedicated two-up venues or casino nights where the game is offered as a special attraction. Similarly, in Melbourne, which has a rich history of two-up during the gold rush era, there could be specific casinos or gaming lounges that offer the game legally. Darwin, known for its vibrant casino scene, may also have dedicated areas within casinos or specific venues licensed to host two-up games.
It is important to note that the legal status of two-up can vary over time, and it is always advisable to check the current regulations in each state or territory before participating in any gambling activities. Additionally, individuals should be aware of the potential risks associated with unregulated gambling and seek out lawful venues to participate in this traditional Australian game.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, two-up is illegal in Australia except on ANZAC Day and a few other days.
Two-up is a form of unregulated gambling, which poses potential issues with fairness and societal impact.
Two-up can be played legally on ANZAC Day, Victory in the Pacific Day, and Remembrance Day afternoon. In Victoria, two-up can also be played in the seven days leading up to ANZAC Day.
The maximum penalty for illegally playing a two-up game is 50 penalty units ($5,500) and/or imprisonment for 12 months.
