General News
24 April, 2026
Two-up returns to Avoca
Avoca RSL sub-branch is bringing back two-up this coming Anzac Day after a 10-year break.
Following a 10 year hiatus, Avoca RSL sub-branch is bringing back two-up this coming Anzac Day.
Originally hosted at Avoca’s Anzac Day Racing Carnival, the game discontinued following the cancelation of the races in 2016.
Since then, the Avoca RSL sub-branch has not been able to legally run it. Two-up is outlawed every day of the year besides Anzac Day, 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.
As a result, Avoca RSL-sub branch president Ian Urquhart said reviving it this year was the optimum opportunity to commemorate Anzac Day.
“For a while, we have been thinking and figuring out ‘how can we bring it back’ so, we decided, we are doing it this Saturday,” he said.
Despite its origins in Australia dating as far back as the 18th century, the game became popular among Australian soldiers during World War I as a form of entertainment.
Since then, the game has been heavily associated with returning veterans in Australia. Gambling laws restricting participation have been changed to allow the game to only be played on Anzac Day.
“It is a fun thing, only RSLs can do it legally on Anzac Day, other than casinos, so we are allowed ... it’s just a bit of fun playing against other people, and you’ll be able to play it here as much as you like,” Mr Urquhart said.
Across Australia, there are various forms of two-up, but he said the day will consist of the most common form.
In this version, the person with the coins, the spinner, tosses them for bets to be placed on if the coins will be heads, tails or odds. The spinner places a bet on heads, with a spectator backing tails. Around them, the crowd gradually places side bets.
“We play the classic form of the game, called the spinner. The spinner has to continue to throw heads or tails. More can join in, and they can bet around each other to see what comes up ... the game brings in another spinner and it just keeps going,” Mr Urquhart said.
All proceeds made on the day will go directly toward supporting RSL veterans in and around Avoca.
“Anything we can do through the year to raise money for our sub- branch, it’s what we like to do,” Mr Urquhart said.
This will take place next to the Avoca Hotel, who this week informed Mr Urquhart they would be donating 10 percent of their proceeds made on Anzac Day, to the Avoca RSL sub-branch.
Two-up will be at 113 High Street, Avoca, from 1 to 4 pm this Saturday, April 25.