Why is Two-Up Legal in Broken Hill?
Two-Up, a traditional Australian game, has been a part of the country’s cultural heritage for decades. While it’s illegal to play Two-Up on most days of the year, Broken Hill is the only city in Australia where the game is legal every day of the year. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this unique exception.
A Brief History of Two-Up
Two-Up, also known as "swy," has its origins in World War I, when Australian soldiers would play the game to pass the time and relieve stress. The game was played by tossing two coins into the air and betting on whether they would land with heads or tails facing up. The game quickly gained popularity, and by the 1950s, it was being played in pubs and clubs across Australia.
The 1992 Decision
In 1992, the Broken Hill City Council made a successful bid to the New South Wales (NSW) Government to legalise Two-Up in the city. The council argued that the game was an important part of the city’s cultural heritage and that it would help to boost tourism and community engagement. The NSW Government agreed, and Two-Up was granted a special permit to be played in Broken Hill every day of the year.
Key Points
Here are some key points that highlight the significance of Two-Up in Broken Hill:
- Unique Permit: Broken Hill is the only city in Australia where Two-Up is legal every day of the year.
- Cultural Heritage: Two-Up is an important part of Australian cultural heritage, and the game has been played in Broken Hill for decades.
- Tourism and Community Engagement: The game is expected to boost tourism and community engagement in the city.
- Social Entertainment: Two-Up is a popular form of social entertainment, and the game is often played in pubs and clubs.
How Two-Up is Played
Here’s a brief overview of how Two-Up is played:
- Gameplay: Players take turns tossing two coins into the air and betting on whether they will land with heads or tails facing up.
- Ringer: A "Ringer" is responsible for calling the shots and keeping track of the game.
- Betting: Players can bet on the outcome of the game, with the winner taking the pot.
- Charity Component: In Broken Hill, all proceeds from Two-Up games are donated to charity.
Conclusion
Two-Up is a unique and important part of Australian cultural heritage, and Broken Hill is the only city in Australia where the game is legal every day of the year. The city’s decision to legalise Two-Up was made in 1992, and the game has since become a popular form of social entertainment and a major tourist attraction. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Two-Up is a must-try experience in Broken Hill.
Additional Resources
- Liquor and Gaming NSW: Two-Up
- [Broken Hill City Council: Two-Up](https://www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au/ two-up)
- Australian Government: Two-Up
Table: Two-Up Gameplay
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Players take turns tossing two coins into the air. |
| 2 | Players bet on whether the coins will land with heads or tails facing up. |
| 3 | The Ringer calls the shots and keeps track of the game. |
| 4 | The winner takes the pot, and all proceeds are donated to charity. |
Bullets: Key Takeaways
• Two-Up is legal in Broken Hill every day of the year.
• The game is an important part of Australian cultural heritage.
• The game is played in pubs and clubs, and all proceeds are donated to charity.
• The Ringer is responsible for calling the shots and keeping track of the game.
• Players can bet on the outcome of the game.