Is how's tricks American English?

[Aiken]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #378 "English Slang Idioms (99)", question 5

"Hey, Bill. I haven't seen you in ages. How's .........?" Rod asked.

(a) tricks
(b) jobs
(c) cash
(d) cars

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #378 "English Slang Idioms (99)", answer 5

"Hey, Bill. I haven't seen you in ages. How's tricks?" Rod asked.

Correct answer: (a) tricks

Your answer was: correct
_________________________

Dear teachers,

Is the phrase how's tricks American English or British English?

Thanks in advance.
Aiken
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Man proposes; God disposes

[Mister Micawber]

AmE, at least.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Torsten]

Also Irish English.

TOEIC short conversations: Two journalists discuss the departure of one of their colleagues who leaving for another newspaper.

[Thredder]

Various possible origins, from prostitutes to convicts to farmers... more here http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=20010103

[Speedtest]

"How's tricks" is either a very old phrase or rarely used in the US, since I've never heard it. To greet someone casually nowadays, you would say "how's things?" or "what's up?"