How to Bet on Darts

• Dynamic Action: Matches are fast-paced, making in-play betting thrilling.

• Year-Round Tournaments: Events like the PDC World Championship, Premier League Darts, and Players Championship provide betting opportunities throughout the year.

• Diverse Markets: From outright winners to niche bets, there’s something for everyone.

• Reputable Betting Sites: Ensure you choose safe and reputable betting sites for a secure betting experience.

Darts matches come in various formats, each offering a unique twist to the game and influencing how you might place your darts bets. The two primary formats are legs-based and sets-based competitions. In legs-based matches, players compete to win a specified number of legs. For instance, in a best-of-11 legs match, the first player to win six legs takes the victory. On the other hand, sets-based competitions require players to win a certain number of legs to claim a set, and then win a specified number of sets to win the match. The most common format is the best-of-three-sets, but some tournaments may extend to best-of-five or even best-of-seven sets.

Scoring systems also vary. The 501 scoring system is the most prevalent, where players start with a score of 501 and aim to reduce it to zero, finishing on a double. However, other formats like the 301 scoring system or the cricket scoring system can also be used in different darts events. Understanding these formats and scoring systems is crucial for making informed darts bets, as they can significantly impact the dynamics of a match.

The darts calendar is packed with major tournaments that offer thrilling betting opportunities. The PDC World Darts Championship is the crown jewel, attracting the top 32 players from the PDC Order of Merit and boasting a prize pool exceeding £2 million. This prestigious event is a highlight for both fans and bettors, providing a plethora of darts betting markets.

Another significant event is the World Grand Prix, held annually in the UK. This tournament features the top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit and the next 16 highest-ranked players from the Pro Tour Order of Merit. Unique to this tournament is the double-in/double-out format, where players must hit a double to start and finish each leg, adding an extra layer of strategy to your darts bets.

The Premier League Darts is another marquee event, featuring the top four players from the Order of Merit and five wildcard selections. Played in a round-robin format, each player faces off against the others, with the top four advancing to the playoffs. This structure offers numerous betting opportunities, from match winners to total 180s and more.

Step 1: Choose a Reputable Bookmaker

Start by selecting a trustworthy betting site from the many reputable betting sites available that offer comprehensive darts coverage, competitive odds, and attractive promotions. Top bookmakers for darts include:

• Bet365

• Paddy Power

• Ladbrokes

• William Hill

Step 2: Understand the Markets

Familiarise yourself with popular darts betting market options, such as:

• Match Winner: The simplest bet, predicting the winner of a match.

• Total 180s: Bet on the total number of 180s scored in a match.

• Handicap Betting: Level the playing field by giving one player a theoretical advantage or disadvantage.

• Correct Score: Predict the exact scoreline in sets or legs.

Step 3: Research Players and Form

Study player statistics, recent performances, and head-to-head records to make informed bets. Key factors to consider include:

• Scoring averages

• Checkout percentages

• Tournament history

Step 4: Place Your Bet

Once you’ve chosen a market and conducted your research, place your bet. Consider using promotions like free bets or enhanced odds to maximise value.

Step 5: Watch and Adapt

If you’re betting in-play, watch the match live to spot trends and adjust your wagers accordingly.

Match Winner

Predict which player will win the match.

• Best For: Beginners.

• Tip: Check player rankings and form.

Total 180s

Bet on the total number of 180s scored in a match or tournament.

• Best For: Fans who enjoy high-scoring plays.

• Tip: Focus on players known for consistent scoring.

Most 180s

Back the player who will score the most 180s during a match.

• Best For: Matches with contrasting scoring styles.

• Tip: Look at player averages for guidance.

Handicap Betting

Level the playing field by giving a theoretical advantage or disadvantage to one player.

• Best For: Matches with clear favourites.

• Tip: Use this market to find better odds in one-sided games.

Nine-Dart Finish

Bet on whether a nine-dart finish (perfect leg) will occur during a match.

• Best For: High-profile matches.

• Tip: This is a rare occurrence, so approach it as a fun wager.

1. Research is Key Study player stats, recent form, and tournament dynamics before placing bets.

2. Start with Simple Bets Begin with straightforward markets like match winner or total 180s before exploring more complex options.

3. Take Advantage of Promotions Use free bets, enhanced odds, and loyalty rewards to increase value.

4. Consider the Format Shorter matches are more unpredictable, while longer formats favour top players.

5. Bet Responsibly Set a budget and avoid chasing losses. Use responsible gambling tools like deposit limits.

6. Learn from Professional Bettors Study the strategies and tips used by professional bettors to improve your own betting approach. Conduct thorough research, find competitive odds, and focus on value bets to achieve profitability.

Understanding and analysing darts odds is a cornerstone of successful darts betting. Bookmakers set the odds based on their assessment of each player’s chances of winning, but these odds can be influenced by various factors. Key metrics to consider include the players’ three-dart average, which measures their scoring power, and their checkout percentage, which indicates their efficiency in finishing legs and sets.

Additionally, the length of the match plays a crucial role. Longer matches tend to favour the higher-ranked players, while shorter matches can be more unpredictable, often giving underdogs a better chance. The tournament format can also impact the odds, as certain formats may suit specific players’ styles better than others. By carefully analysing these factors, you can make more informed darts bets and increase your chances of success.

Pros

• Wide Variety of Markets: Offers something for everyone, from beginners to experienced punters.

• Fast-Paced Action: Ideal for in-play betting.

• Frequent Tournaments: Year-round events provide regular opportunities.

Cons

• Unpredictability: Darts can be volatile, with underdogs often outperforming favourites.

• Complex Markets: Some markets require a deep understanding of the sport.

• Risk of Over betting: The fast pace may tempt punters to place excessive wagers.

1. Specialise in Player Markets Focus on individual players’ strengths, such as scoring or checkout accuracy.

2. Combine Bets Use Bet Builders to combine markets like most 180s, total legs, and match winner for higher returns.

3. Track Tournament Trends Analyse past results to identify patterns, such as player performance in specific venues.

4. Hedge Your Bets Place multiple bets across different markets to minimise risk.

5. Bet on Total Darts Thrown Consider betting on whether the total number of darts thrown in a match will exceed or fall below a specified number.

Effective bankroll management is essential for long-term success in darts betting. Start by setting a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. This helps you avoid the pitfalls of chasing losses and ensures that your betting remains a fun and controlled activity.

Diversifying your bets is another key strategy. Instead of placing all your money on a single outcome, spread your bets across different markets to mitigate risk. For example, you might place a bet on the match winner, another on the total 180s, and a third on the correct score.

Keeping track of your bets and winnings is also crucial. Use a spreadsheet or a betting tracker to monitor your performance. This will help you identify patterns, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and make more informed betting decisions in the future.

Staying informed about the latest darts news and results is vital for making smart betting decisions. Follow reputable darts news websites, social media accounts, and online forums to keep your finger on the pulse of the sport. The official websites of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the World Darts Federation (WDF) are excellent sources for the latest news, player updates, and tournament results.

Additionally, following top darts players on social media can provide valuable insights into their form and performance. Keeping an eye on the darts betting markets is also essential, as odds can change rapidly based on new information. Use online betting platforms and apps to stay updated with the latest odds and place your bets accordingly. By staying well-informed, you can make more accurate predictions and enhance your darts betting experience.

Betting on darts offers an exciting and dynamic way to engage with the sport, whether you’re backing your favourite player or chasing a nine-dart finish. By understanding the markets, researching players, and utilising bookmaker promotions, you can improve your chances of success while enjoying the thrill of every match.

Choose a reputable bookmaker, start with simple bets, and gradually explore advanced strategies. With the right approach, darts betting can be both rewarding and entertaining.

Ready to step up to the oche? Start betting on darts today and take your experience to the next level!