Head into an RSL or pub on Thursday and you’ll probably hear loud shouts of “come in, spinner”.
The screams will come from punters caught in an intense game of two-on-one, an Australian gambling game that is played on Anzac Day and is illegal in most of the country on most other days of the year.
After Australians commemorate those who served and died in military operations on Thursday, some will head to their local RSL or pub to try out the coin toss game.
Australian soldiers played doubles during the First World War and it has since become an Anzac Day tradition.
Melbourne ANZAC Pubs. two up
Gambling is illegal in places across most of the country on most days, except for Anzac Day, which falls on April 25 each year, but the exact rules depend on which state or territory you are in.
For example, in Victoria, couples are only legal on Anzac Day or during commemorative functions in the seven days leading up to Anzac Day at RSL clubs, branches and venues used by the RSL, according to the Commission’s website of Casino and Gambling Control of Victoria. .
In most of New South Wales, gambling is generally legal on Anzac Day, Victory in the Pacific Day (August 15) and Remembrance Day (November 11).
The only exception to this is Broken Hill, where the game can be played year-round with a special license from the New South Wales government.
How to play
There are several variations on how to play, so it’s best to check the rules before getting involved.
Typically, a match manager known as a “ringkeeper” or “ringie” will select one person to be the “spinner.”
The spinner will stand in the ring, which is a designated circle where only spinner is allowed.
Melbourne ANZAC Pubs. two up
Roulette will place two pennies on a wooden bat, known as a “kip.”
Someone will yell “come in, roulette” and on that signal, the roulette wheel will throw both coins into the air.
They must land within the confines of the ring.
Before tossing the coins, the spinner or other bettors will select an amount of money to bet and find someone in the crowd to match their bet, one betting on both coins to land heads up and the other betting on both coins to land tails. above.
The roulette wheel will continue to flip the coins until they both land heads or tails.
The ringie will announce the result.
The ringie’s decision is final and winner takes all.
Remember to gamble responsibly.