Across Australia, there is a unique traditional betting game that holds a peculiar legal status: it can only be played legally across the entire nation on one single day each year. That game is two-up, a simple yet beloved coin-tossing gambling activity that is deeply woven into the country’s wartime history and cultural identity.
The origins of this one-day legal exception stretch back to World War I, when Australian soldiers stationed overseas regularly gathered to play two-up between deployments. For troops facing the uncertainty and horror of battle, the game became more than just a form of recreation—it was a way to build camaraderie, lift collective morale, and hold onto a small piece of home while thousands of miles from Australian soil. Many soldiers continued to play the game after returning home, passing down the tradition through generations of families and veteran communities.
Over time, general gambling laws across most Australian jurisdictions restricted unlicensed two-up games, reflecting broader regulations around betting activities. To honor the game’s deep ties to Australian military history and the sacrifices of Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) soldiers, lawmakers carved out a special exemption: two-up can be played legally anywhere in the country on April 25, the national holiday that commemorates the Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915.
Today, the annual tradition of playing two-up on Anzac Day remains a beloved part of commemorations across the country. Pubs, RSL (Returned and Services League) clubs, and community gathering spots set up games, where participants of all ages join in, not just for the chance to win bets, but to connect with the nation’s wartime heritage and pay tribute to the service members who first popularized the game a century ago.