Darts, which originated as a pub game in the 1800s, has since evolved into a popular competitive sport. Today, numerous betting platforms offer the opportunity to wager on darts, transforming it into a favored betting activity for many. To place successful bets on darts, it is essential to understand both the game’s rules and the nuances of betting. This guide will walk you through the basics of darts betting and share strategic insights to help you bet like an expert.
Understanding the Mechanics of Darts Betting
Betting on darts involves selecting matches from prestigious tournaments, such as the PDC World Darts Championship, and placing wagers on various outcomes. Like any other sport, choosing your bets wisely requires thorough research of the players and the dynamics of the matches. Each game consists of players throwing darts at a dartboard, positioned approximately 1.73 meters off the ground, aiming to score the highest points by landing the darts within specific areas of the board. Your primary goal in betting is to accurately predict the outcomes to make a profit.
Darts Odds Explained
The odds in darts betting are critical as they indicate the likelihood of various outcomes and determine the potential returns from successful bets. Odds in darts can range widely, from as low as 1.10 to over 400.00, depending on the betting site and the specific market. It is important to note that underdogs typically have higher odds compared to favorites. The format of these odds can vary widely to suit different preferences, including decimal, European, American, and Malaysian styles, depending on the sportsbook.
Popular Darts Betting Markets
To start betting on darts, it’s crucial to become familiar with the common betting markets available, which will guide your predictions:
- Outright (Winner) Bets: This market is straightforward—simply pick the winner of a tournament or a match. For instance, if Wade and Clayton are competing in the Ladbrokes UK Open, betting on Clayton as the Outright Winner means you believe he will triumph over Wade.
- Handicap Betting: This is a more complex market suitable for those with a deeper understanding of darts. Bookmakers set this bet by giving disadvantages to favorites or advantages to underdogs to level the playing field. For example, you might back Cullen to win a PDC World Darts Championship match, even with a -2.5 handicap. For such a bet to pay out, Cullen must not only win but do so by overcoming the handicap.
- Over/Under Markets: These markets involve betting on the total number of legs in a match, such as predicting whether a best-of-five game will have over or under 4.5 legs. This type of bet can offer good odds but requires detailed research to make an informed bet.
- In-Play Score – Sets/Legs: If live betting is more your style, this market offers a dynamic and engaging way to bet by predicting the scores after multiple sets or legs. For example, in a match between Michael van Gerwen and Nathan Aspinall, you might bet on the game ending with more than six sets.
- Correct Score: Predicting the exact score at the end of a match is challenging but potentially very rewarding due to the high odds. For instance, if betting on a Grand Slam of Darts match between Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright, you could predict that Price will win 16-8, and you would need the final score to match your prediction to win.
Long-Term and Special Darts Betting Options
When venturing into the world of darts betting, it’s important to understand the variety of markets available, including regular, long-term, and special bets. Each type of bet offers unique opportunities and challenges.
Exploring Long-Term Darts Bets
For those looking to engage in bets that span over an extended period, long-term bets are an ideal choice. These often involve predicting outcomes for events such as the tournament winner, which require a deep understanding of the players and the tournament dynamics over time.
Special Darts Bets
Special bets in darts focus on aspects that don’t directly decide the game’s outcome but are based on specific actions within or surrounding the game. These bets provide an added layer of excitement and can include:
- Nine Dart Finish: This bet involves predicting a player to complete a game (501 points) with the minimum possible number of darts, which is nine. For example, betting on Michael Smith to achieve this feat in the PDC World Championship could be an option, as well as wagering on the total number of nine-dart finishes during the tournament.
- Highest Check-Out: This market allows you to bet on which player will score the highest on their final turn of a match. Given the unpredictability of matches, this market usually offers high odds.
- Highest Tournament Average: Here, you predict which player will have the highest average score throughout a tournament, calculated by the points scored divided by the darts thrown.
- Winner Nationality: A special bet where you predict the nationality of the tournament winner. For instance, if you believe Jim Williams will win the BDO World Championship, you would select Welsh as the winning nationality.
- Most 180s: This bet focuses on which player will score the most 180s during a tournament. You might also find options to bet on the total number of 180s thrown throughout the event.
In-Play Betting for Darts
In-play betting adds a dynamic aspect to gambling on darts, allowing you to place bets on matches as they happen. Although live betting offers fewer markets than pre-match betting, it is highly engaging and requires quick decision-making based on ongoing game developments. Live markets typically include:
- Correct Score
- Leg Winner
- Checkout Score
To enhance your live betting experience, look for sportsbooks that offer real-time streaming and live score updates, which help in making more informed bets.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Bet on Darts
Betting on darts is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can start:
- Log into your betting account.
- Deposit funds that you will use for betting.
- Navigate to the darts section of the sportsbook.
- Select the tournament and the specific match you want to bet on.
- Explore the available betting markets.
- Place your wager by entering the amount.
- Submit your bet slip.
Always check the minimum and maximum stakes allowed by your sportsbook to ensure your bets are valid.
Key Darts Tournaments for Betting Enthusiasts
Since its evolution into a competitive sport, darts has seen the emergence of numerous prestigious tournaments under the auspices of two main governing bodies—the British Darts Organisation (BDO) and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Both organizations have developed their own distinct championships and tours since their split in 1990, stemming from the original BDO founded by Olly Croft in 1973. Here are some of the top tournaments that are popular in the darts betting community:
The PDC World Championship
The PDC World Championship, also known for sponsorship reasons as the Cazoo World Darts Championship, is a premier event that began in 1994. Held annually in London, this championship has moved from Purfleet in 2008 and boasts a substantial prize pool, reaching £2,500,000 in 2022. It is considered one of the most prestigious darts tournaments, drawing competitive play and large audiences. Phil “The Power” Taylor holds the record for the most titles at this event, with 14 PDC World Championships and two BDO titles, totaling 16 world titles.
World Matchplay
Another significant event in the darts calendar is the World Matchplay, often referred to as the Betfred World Matchplay. This competition, established in 1994 and part of the PDC, takes place in England and is recognized as one of the triple crown events in darts. It attracts top players such as Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Peter Wright.
PDC Premier League Darts
Launched in 2005, the PDC Premier League Darts quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most lucrative and prestigious competitions in the PDC circuit. In early 2022, the tournament boasted a prize fund of £1,000,000, with Jonny Clayton clinching the title.
World Grand Prix
The World Grand Prix, established in 1998, is renowned for its unique ‘double in double out’ format and takes place every October. This tournament consistently attracts a global audience and a roster of prominent darts players.
UK Open
Also known as the Cazoo UK Open, this tournament was introduced in 2003 and is often dubbed the ‘FA Cup of darts’ due to its open format. Held annually in Minehead, it features around 160 players from across the world competing over eight stages.
World Cup of Darts
The World Cup of Darts is a relatively newer addition to the PDC calendar, starting in 2010. Despite offering a smaller prize pool of £350,000, it has quickly become a fixture in the darts world, attracting elite players globally.
Darts Betting Tips and Strategies for Success
Betting on darts offers a straightforward way to get involved in sports betting, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just starting out. However, to truly excel and maximize your potential winnings, you need to implement effective strategies. Here are essential darts betting tips and strategies that every bettor should consider.
Seek Out the Best Odds
Before you place any bets, it’s crucial to find the best odds available. Compare the odds from different bookmakers for the match or tournament you’re interested in. Tools like Bet Guru 365 can be invaluable here, allowing you to view odds without needing an account at every sportsbook. Higher odds mean higher potential payouts, making this step fundamental in your betting strategy.
Utilize Matched and Arbitrage Betting
To minimize risks and potentially guarantee profits, consider using matched betting and arbitrage betting techniques. These involve placing opposing bets at different bookmakers or a bookmaker and a betting exchange. However, make sure the matches and markets you select are suitable for these strategies to avoid unnecessary risks.
Follow Expert Darts Tipsters
Leveraging the insights from expert darts tipsters can significantly enhance your betting decisions. If you’re an experienced bettor, use this information for confirmation before finalizing your bets. Beginners, meanwhile, can use these insights to refine their research skills and build a more robust betting strategy.
Celebrate Small Wins
In gambling, every win counts. Don’t hold out only for massive payouts; appreciate and celebrate the smaller victories too. Since gambling outcomes can be unpredictable, taking pleasure in the small wins can keep you motivated and financially solvent.
Choose Shorter Formats
Different darts tournaments come in various formats, such as best-of-11-legs or double in, double out. Shorter formats often offer better odds, especially for outsiders, but they require diligent research to avoid disappointing results.
Consider the Crowd Factor
The atmosphere in a darts event can significantly influence the outcome of matches. For instance, during the 2019 World Championship, the crowd played a notable role in Fallon Sherrock’s surprising victories. Always take into account the potential impact of the crowd when placing your bets.
Common Darts Betting Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best strategies, certain common mistakes can hinder your betting success. Here are a few to be mindful of:
Insufficient Knowledge of the Sport
Before betting on darts, ensure you fully understand the sport. Know the rules, the structure of matches, and familiarize yourself with key players and tournament formats. This foundational knowledge is crucial for making informed bets.
Ignoring Player Form and Off-Oche Distractions
A player’s form and their activities away from the oche can significantly impact their performance. Always consider a player’s current form and any potential distractions that might affect their game when making your bets.
Mismanagement of Your Bankroll
One of the biggest pitfalls in betting is poor bankroll management. To prevent financial issues, develop a clear betting strategy that defines how much money you’re willing to risk and stick to it.
Emotional Betting on Favorite Players
Betting on your favorite players can be tempting, but it’s a common mistake driven by emotion rather than rational analysis. Always base your bets on thorough research and objective data.
By incorporating these tips and strategies into your betting routine, you can enhance your chances of success and enjoy a more rewarding darts betting experience.
Darts Betting Guide and FAQ
❔ Is it worthwhile to bet on darts?
Yes, betting on darts can be highly rewarding, especially if you have a good grasp of the game and select appropriate events and tournaments for your bets. Darts offers competitive odds and because most tournaments are well-televised and documented, it becomes easier to gather essential information to place informed bets. This accessibility makes darts betting a favored activity among sportsbook enthusiasts.
🏆 Which is the best darts betting site?
Unibet is widely regarded as one of the best darts betting sites. It covers thousands of darts events across various tournaments, including major competitions like the UK Open, PDC Premier League Darts, and the World Grand Prix. Unibet stands out not only for its comprehensive event coverage but also for offering a wide array of markets with competitive odds, enhancing your chances for substantial payouts.
💶 What types of promotions do bookmakers offer for darts betting?
Bookmakers provide a variety of bonuses that can enhance your darts betting experience. Common promotions include welcome bonuses, which may offer free cash or bets. Reload promotions are also popular, catering to existing customers with bonuses activated by subsequent deposits. Other potential offers include ACCA insurance and odds boost bonuses, which can further optimize your betting strategy.
💳 How are darts betting odds calculated?
Darts betting odds are calculated by dividing 100% by the probability of a given outcome. For example, if Wayne Warren has a 70% chance to win a BDO World Championship match against Jim Williams, the odds are calculated as 100/70, resulting in odds of approximately 1.42. This calculation helps bettors understand which outcomes are more or less likely according to the bookmakers.
🤔 Can I cash out my bets on darts?
Yes, if the bookmaker offers a cash-out feature, you can withdraw part or all of your bet before the match concludes. This feature calculates your potential winnings based on the odds at the time of cashing out. To use this feature, check the live section of your betting platform for matches with a cash-out option.
❔ What is the most popular bet with darts punters?
The Outright Winner bet is the most popular among darts punters due to its simplicity. This bet can be placed on who will win a particular match or the entire tournament. Outright Tournament Winner bets offer higher odds because they involve longer-term predictions, whereas Outright Match Winner bets provide quicker outcomes though with generally moderate odds.
🏆 Can I bet on live darts matches?
Absolutely. Many sportsbooks provide options for live betting on darts, covering various tournaments with competitive live odds. For the best experience, choose a bookmaker that offers live streaming services, allowing you to watch and bet on matches in real-time.
💶 What does Over/Under mean in darts betting?
Over/Under in darts betting is a type of spread bet where you wager whether something like the total scores or sets in a match will be over or under a specified number. For instance, betting on a match’s total sets to be over 4.5 means you win the bet if the players play 5 or more sets.
💳 Do Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tournaments have the biggest prize money?
Yes, PDC tournaments typically offer the largest prize pools in professional darts. For example, the 2022 PDC World Championship featured a prize pool of £2.5 million, highlighting the significant financial incentives available in these tournaments.
🤔 What does a leg handicap mean in darts betting?
A leg handicap in darts betting adjusts the conditions under which a favored player must win, to level the playing field. For instance, a favored player like Andy Hamilton might need to overcome a handicap to win your bet. This type of bet often offers better odds because of the added difficulty for the favored competitor.
