As Australians prepare to commemorate Anzac Day on Friday, April 25, 2025, the nation will mark the 110th anniversary of this significant day of remembrance. Anzac Day not only honors the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the military, but it also revives a cherished tradition: the game of two-up.
Two-up, a traditional Australian gambling game, is a unique feature of Anzac Day celebrations across the country. While the game is generally illegal to play throughout the year, it becomes a legal pastime on Anzac Day, allowing Australians to engage in this time-honored activity in pubs and clubs nationwide.
Historically, two-up has its roots in the 18th and 19th centuries, with evidence suggesting it was played by convicts. However, it became particularly popular among soldiers during World War I, where it was played in the trenches as a form of entertainment and camaraderie. Today, despite a decline in its popularity over the decades, two-up remains a beloved tradition, especially in Returned and Services League (RSL) clubs.
On Anzac Day, the game will be played in various venues across the Illawarra region, with festivities kicking off at different times. The Waterfront Tavern will start two-up at 11 am, while the Great Southern Hotel in Berry will commence at noon. Other venues, such as the North Wollongong Hotel, will also host the game from 12 pm, featuring DJ Anfinity providing entertainment from 5:30 pm.
At the Figtree Hotel, patrons can enjoy a barbecue from 10 am, with a free feed available until noon before two-up begins. The Warilla Hotel will open its doors at 10 am, with two-up starting at 12 pm, while the Warilla Sports Club will also join in the celebrations, hosting two-up from 11:30 am.
The Towradgi Beach Hotel and Waves will offer live DJs and two-up starting at noon, while the Five Islands Hotel will serve a special pig on the spit from 3 pm, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The Illawarra Hotel will commemorate the Gallipoli landings with two-up from 12 pm, inviting guests to reflect on the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers.
The Heritage Hotel Bulli will host two-up from 12 pm to 5 pm, featuring live music, while the Balgownie Hotel will kick off its festivities at 12:30 pm. The Plough and Ale will have two-up from 12 pm, with the Dragons game being broadcast live from 4 pm. For families, the Woonona Bulli RSL Club will host a family-friendly day starting at 5 am.
For those unfamiliar with the game, two-up involves tossing two coins into the air, with players betting on the outcome of the toss. The game is overseen by a ringkeeper, or “ringie,” who calls for a “spinner” to enter the game, usually with the chant, “Come in, spinner!” The coins must be thrown at least three meters into the air and must land within a designated circle.
Players can bet on three possible outcomes: two heads, two tails, or one of each (known as “odds”). The spinner places a bet on one outcome, while the crowd bets on the other. The ringie’s decision is final, and winners take home their earnings. This simple yet exciting game draws crowds and adds to the festive spirit of Anzac Day.
The legality of two-up varies across states. In Victoria, for instance, the game can only be played in the seven days leading up to Anzac Day and only in approved venues. In New South Wales, participation is limited to Anzac Day, Victory in the Pacific Day (August 15), and Remembrance Day (November 11) after midday. However, Broken Hill has a special license allowing the game to be played year-round.
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, is another exception, where two-up can be played throughout the year due to its historic connection to the game. The town even hosts the only legal designated two-up school in the country, where the game has been a local tradition since the 1970s.
As Australians gather in pubs and clubs this Anzac Day, the spirit of remembrance and the joy of two-up will be palpable. It’s a day for honoring the brave men and women who served the nation, while also enjoying the camaraderie and celebration that comes with this unique tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, Anzac Day promises to be a memorable occasion filled with laughter, reflection, and community spirit.
So, as you raise a glass and spin the coins, remember the sacrifices that have shaped the nation and enjoy the festivities that bring people together in honor of our heroes. Lest we forget.
