In NSW, The Gambling (Two-Up) Act of 1998 allows the game on ANZAC Day, Victory Day in the Pacific, and Remembrance Day.
Two-up is outlawed on every day besides Anzac Day because it's considered an unregulated form of gambling. Licensed premises can host the game only on Anzac Day and only provided they donate all proceeds to charity.
Two-up is a traditional Australian game played created by Australian soldiers during World War I. Typically two-up is played on Anzac Day in pubs and RSL clubs across the country, though the game is illegal on most other days of the year.
In New South Wales, there's actually a special law called The Gambling (Two-Up) Act, which stipulates that two-up is only legal on Anzac Day (April 25th), Victory in the Pacific Day (August 15) and Remembrance Day (November 11, but only after 12 noon).
At its most basic level, the game involves one person tossing up two coins and people in the crowd betting on the outcome. The outcomes are either two heads, two tails or “odds”, which is one of each. Generally you can only bet on either heads or tails, and continue tossing up until you get a result.
When can two-up be conducted? after 12 noon). The Gambling (Two-up) Act 1998 does not legalise the playing of two-up at any other time. The only exception to this is Broken Hill, where two-up is played all year round under a special licence from the NSW Government.
Two-up is a traditional coin-flipping game with money wagered by observers on the outcome of the flip. It draws big crows on ANZAC Day and usually goes on from midday until sunset.
Anzac Day is observed as a public holiday in Victoria and under Victorian law there are two-and-a-half restricted trading days each year: Good Friday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day between 12:01am and 1pm. Only exempt shops are permitted to open on these days.
The ANF is to be flown at half-mast from sunrise until 12 noon. For Anzac Day ceremonies the ANF is to be at half-mast and then raised to the peak during the playing of Reveille at the conclusion of the service. One minute silence is then observed.
Why is it illegal to play? Two-up is illegal to play because the game is an unregulated form of gambling. In the 1800s to 1930s the nickname for the person who warned players of any incoming police was called the cockatoo.
The following days are restricted days: Good Friday. Easter Sunday. ANZAC Day (until 1pm)
Across the country on Anzac Day, shouts of “come in spinner” will roar across the top of packed RSLs and bars. But you'll only hear those cries once a year. Over the last 30 years every Australian state and territory has re-written gambling laws to legalise two-up on Anzac Day, albeit with a few conditions.
Two-up can be played legally in a licensed RSL or services club on: Anzac Day (25 April) another day that's legally designated as a day of remembrance of the sacrifice of ex-service men and women.
Is two-up legal in Australia? Two-up is outlawed on almost every day besides Anzac Day because it's considered an unregulated form of gambling. In New South Wales, it's also legal to play two-up on Victory in the Pacific Day and Remembrance Day.
Despite the strict laws against unregulated gambling, the New South Wales government sought to give two-up the cultural recognition it deserved. In 1989, the government passed the Gaming and Betting Amendment Act, which declared that playing two-up on Anzac Day was not illegal in the state.
New South Wales
The Retail Trading Act 2008 requires all shops to be closed on Anzac Day at all times before 1pm. There are exempt shops which can trade at any time on Anzac Day.
He suggested that Australians come together in their driveways at 5:55am on 25 April and light a candle or use the flashlight app on your phone and share a minute's silence.
A minute of silence (or two) is always observed at ANZAC Day services, and on Remembrance Day. It is a moment of solemn reflection and a gesture of respect to our fallen soldiers.
The Anzac Day holiday is always recognised and observed on the 25 April every year, this includes when it falls on a weekend.
Patrons can buy alcohol from 1 hour before eating their meal to 1 hour after finishing their meal. Takeaway alcohol is not permitted before 1pm on Anzac Day.
The first commemorative event of Anzac Day is the Dawn Service at 4.30 am.
Two-up is a game of chance played on ANZAC day in Australia. The odds of winning or losing are 50-50.
At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, on Remembrance Day, we pause for 1 minute of silence. That minute is a special time to remember those Australians who died in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
Two-up is an unlawful game if played in a public place outside of a casino under sections 234 and 230A of the Criminal Code Act 1899. The Criminal Code is enforced by the Queensland Police Service.