Illegal 364 days a year, two-up returns this Saturday. Here is everything you need to know about the coins, the kip, and the chaos.
The Quick Guide: Two-up at a Glance
- When: April 25 (Anzac Day). Most games start at 12:00 pm.
- Where: RSL clubs, pubs, and dedicated “schools” across Australia.
- The Goal: Bet on whether two tossed coins land on Heads or Tails.
- Currency: Cash only. Handshake agreements are the gold standard.
Anzac Day is the only day of the year where the “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” exchange of $50 notes between total strangers isn’t just legal—it’s a national rite of passage.
As we hit April 25, 2026, the ritual remains unchanged. After the dawn services and marches conclude, the quiet of the morning is replaced by the roar of the “school.” Whether you’re at a coastal RSL or a packed CBD rooftop, here is the sharp manual for the only day unregulated gambling is the law of the land.
What are the rules of Two-up?
The rules are simple, but the energy is anything but.
A “spinner” stands in the centre of the ring and tosses two pre-1939 pennies off a wooden paddle called a kip. The crowd – known as the “school” – places bets on whether the coins will land on:
- Heads (both coins heads up)
- Tails (both tails)
- Odds (one of each – which is a no result, toss again)
Before the first throw, the spinner must place a bet – usually on heads – matched by someone backing tails. The money is held by the boxer, who manages the centre bets, calls the action, and ensures everything runs square.
Around them, the crowd places side bets with one another. Cash only. Handshake agreements. So you might see people punting $5, $50, or $100 notes, held high in the air. Find a mate or a stranger, agree on heads or tails, and hold the money until the coins fall.
Why it’s legal on Anzac Day
For most of the year, two-up is banned under respective state gambling laws. It’s considered unregulated gambling – and without a permit, it’s off-limits.
But once a year, the government looks the other way. Or more accurately, it makes it official.
Anzac Day – April 25 – is the national exception, recognising two-up’s wartime roots and its role in honouring service, sacrifice and mateship. Every state and territory permits it in some form on this day (some more than others).
- In New South Wales, two-up is also legal on Victory in the Pacific Day (August 15) and Remembrance Day (November 11) – but only after 12pm. The Gambling (Two-Up) Act 1998 even protects the tradition in law.
- The outback town of Broken Hill gets a permanent pass – the only place in the country allowed to run games year-round due to its deep historical ties to the game.
- In Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania, it’s permitted only in RSLs or venues affiliated with veteran organisations – and usually only with approval from an official sub-branch.
- In Western Australia, it’s the most tightly controlled. Even on Anzac Day, clubs need a specific permit from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Where to play
Whether you’re in a city pub or a surf club on the coast, chances are there’s a ring chalked out and a kip ready by midday.
New South Wales
NSW has the most relaxed laws, meaning the games are bigger and run longer.
- The Glenmore, The Rocks: The undisputed king of the CBD. With rooftop views over the Opera House and the Scots Marching Band performing live, it’s the most “Sydney” experience you can have. The ring starts at 12:00 pm, but the line starts at 8:00 am
- The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay: Massive eastern suburbs crowd; it’s a full-day party that transitions from the ring to DJs.
- Forrester’s, Surry Hills: A classic choice for a central, local feel. They open doors at 10:30 am with the ring starting at midday.
- Watson’s, Moore Park: Perfect if you’re heading to the Roosters vs. Dragons game. They set up a dedicated “Two-Up Arena” in the courtyard with tiered viewing.
- The Fiddler, Rouse Hill: The go-to for the West. Huge outdoor setup with live music and a proper community feel.
- The Courthouse Hotel, Newtown: “The Courty” is arguably the most iconic beer garden in town. Expect a massive ring starting at 12:00 pm in the garden, a “Karma Keg” of Reschs raising funds for Legacy, and DJs taking over once the sun goes down.
- The Bank, Newtown: It’s loud, it’s theatrical, and the beer garden is usually at capacity by 11:30 am.
- Public House, Petersham: This is a full-blown carpark takeover. PHP shuts down the outdoor space for a massive ring running from midday until sundown.
Victoria
In Victoria, the game is more tightly linked to RSLs, but these venues are the exceptions that define the day.
- Young & Jackson: Located right opposite Flinders Street Station. It’s the first port of call for many after the march.
- The Espy, St Kilda: The Gershwin Room often hosts a massive school, blending the seaside vibe with serious betting.
Queensland:
- The Paddo (Paddington Tavern): A Brisbane institution. They host a “Two-Up Arena” from 2:00 pm, often hosted by local comedians to keep the energy up.
- The Colmslie Hotel: Another heavy hitter in Brisbane. They run a massive game hosted by Lindsay Webb starting at 2:00 pm.
Western Australia
- Victoria Park Hotel (WA): One of the best spots in Perth for a classic pub atmosphere. Note that WA has the strictest permit laws, so games here are highly organised.
South Australia
- Union Hotel, Adelaide: The legendary Anzac Day Street Party. They shut down the road for the state’s biggest outdoor ring.
- The Lion Hotel, North Adelaide: A high-energy alternative that draws a massive crowd from the CBD.
- The Havelock Hotel: A classic choice for post-march punters on Hutt Street.
ACT & Tasmania
- Olims Bar & Bistro, Canberra: Located in the historic Mercure, it’s the closest ring to the National War Memorial.
- The Dock, Kingston: A modern favorite for the south-side crowd with a high-energy waterfront school.
- Canberra Irish Club: A traditional bastion for the game, running until 6:00 pm.
- Wrest Point, Hobart: Tasmania’s structured home for the game, ensuring a pro-run ring for the Apple Isle.
