Uncertainty surrounding the Canberra Services Club's future did not stop a wild crowd from enjoying the dance of two coins at the Manuka site on Anzac Day.
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The redevelopment of the Manuka precinct threatens the club's annual two-up tradition, with future locations remaining up in the air.
But club president Michael Kinniburgh was hopeful the ACT Government's land swap deal would soon eventuate and pave the way for the development of a new, bigger premises in Manuka. The original building burnt down in 2011.
"This may well be our last year, but we hope not," Mr Kinniburgh said.
"We've had Anzac Day here for 75 years, we hope to have it for 76 years and beyond, so certainly the services club is looking for all the support it can get to keep open."
About a third of the club's 6000 members gathered under Manuka's leafy oak trees on Monday to eagerly watch coins toss and maybe win some cash.
Mr Kinniburgh was also pleased with the 120 people who turned up to the club for Dawn Service as it was double last year's numbers.
"Some of our life members, who are well into their nineties, came here this morning and have been part of the club since day one [in 1939]."
"A lot of people here met their future wives and husbands at this place, it was the dance centre of Canberrra."
"It would be a wrench to them if we inevitably can't get permission to build here."
Goulburn woman Christine Rampling would also be "gutted" if that happened, as she has been doing Dawn Service and two-up at the club for seven years running - with a good breakfast and nap in between.
After about an hour at the club she had already cashed in $200 from the game.
"I used to drink here a little bit before it burnt down, so there is a bit of an attachment to the place, even though we are essentially standing in a gravel carpark," she said.
Kasia Prusak from Richardson was a two-up newbie, but she also scored a couple hundred bucks, likely thanks to beginner's luck.
"I'd absolutely come back next year," she said.
"It's been so much fun and is an amazing location. Everyone enjoys it whether they win or lose."
Proof of that was Grant Bowden from Tuggeranong, who said he hadn't yet won any money but remained hopeful.
"I come here every year," he said.
"I always seem to lose though."
