Source : Perth Now news
WHAT IS TWO-UP?
* The aim of the game is to correctly predict whether two coins tossed in the air will land both heads or both tails
* The ‘spinner’ tosses two coins on a wooden board called a ‘kip’ and places a heads bet with another punter, who hopes for tails
* Onlookers along the perimeter of the two-up circle can also exchange bets between themselves
* If both coins show heads, the spinner wins their bet and gets to toss again. If both coins show tails, they lose and hand the kip to the next spinner
* When one coin shows heads and the other tails, no result occurs, bets roll on to the next toss and the spinner tosses again
HOW DO PEOPLE BET?
* usually $5 or $10 with some optimistic folk ready to part with $20 or $50
* winners double their money
HOW DID THE TRADITION START?
* The game was played by Australian soldiers to pass time in the First and Second World War
* When the soldiers returned home, it became a regular fixture at many RSL pubs and clubs
* Gold miners in Broken Hill played the first recorded game in Australia in 1894
WHAT IS CONTROVERSIAL ABOUT IT?
* Gambling reform advocate Tim Costello said that although two-up is a minor form of gambling, it overshadows the Anzac tradition”The first Anzacs were Catholics and Protestants. Protestants believe gambling is a sin, so you could almost guarantee a majority of them who played weren’t gambling,” Mr Costello said.
* North Bondi RSL meanwhile will do away with the two-up circle this year after veterans noted the rowdy atmosphere was disruptive for families and quiet reflection sought on Anzac Day.
WHICH STATES ALLOW IT?
* Bans on two-up are lifted on Anzac Day across the country, with RSL nationwide generally permitted to host games.
* In NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, pundits can also play two-up in a registered club or in locations operated by the RSL.
* Western Australia allows games at non-RSL places provided the minister believes it is connected to commemorating Anzac Day
* Tasmanian clubs made up mostly of former defence force members can organise two-up from 6am to 6pm on Anzac Day
WHAT OTHER TIMES CAN PEOPLE PLAY?
* NSW also allows two-up on Remembrance Day (November 11), V-Day (August 15) and year-round in Broken Hill
* WA racing clubs can seek permits to play on major event days
