Betting Guide

Introduction to Darts Betting

Darts has grown enormously as a betting sport over the past two decades. The rise of the PDC, expanded television coverage, and the sheer volume of events throughout the calendar year have made it one of the most popular sports for punters. With matches taking place almost every week and a wealth of statistical data available, darts offers informed bettors genuine opportunities to find value.

This guide is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the main betting markets available for darts, the key statistics to consider when placing a bet, and sensible strategies for approaching both individual match betting and tournament outrights. Whether you are completely new to darts betting or looking to refine your approach, this guide will give you a solid foundation.

Types of Darts Bets

Match Winner

The most straightforward bet in darts is the match winner market. You simply pick which player you think will win the match. There is no draw option in knockout darts matches (unlike the Premier League, where draws are possible), so this is a two-way market. The odds reflect each player's perceived chance of winning, with the favourite offered at shorter odds and the underdog at longer odds.

For example, if Luke Humphries is playing a lower-ranked opponent, you might see odds of 1/5 (1.20 decimal) for Humphries and 7/2 (4.50 decimal) for his opponent. This means the bookmakers believe Humphries has roughly an 83% chance of winning, with the opponent given about a 22% chance (the total exceeding 100% represents the bookmaker's margin).

Handicap Betting

Handicap betting levels the playing field by giving one player a head start in legs or sets. If the handicap is set at -2.5 legs for the favourite, that player must win by three or more legs for the bet to pay out. Conversely, the underdog at +2.5 legs wins the bet if they win the match outright or lose by two legs or fewer.

Handicap betting is particularly useful when the match winner market is heavily one-sided. If the favourite is priced at 1/8 to win, there is little value in backing them outright. However, backing the favourite at -2.5 legs at even money (or better) can offer much better returns if you believe they will dominate the match.

Understanding the format is crucial for handicap betting. In a best-of-11 legs match, a -2.5 handicap means the favourite needs to win at least 7-4. In a best-of-19 legs match, a -2.5 handicap requires a winning margin of at least 3 legs. Always check the match format before placing a handicap bet.

Total 180s

One of the most popular darts-specific betting markets is total 180s in a match. Bookmakers set a line (for example, over/under 8.5), and you bet on whether the total number of maximums hit by both players combined will be above or below that line.

This market requires an understanding of each player's 180 rate, which is typically expressed as 180s per leg. Heavy scorers who consistently target treble 20, such as Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price, tend to hit more 180s per leg than players who favour treble 19 or mix their scoring. The length of the match also matters: a longer match (more legs) will naturally produce more 180s.

Some bookmakers also offer markets on individual player 180s, such as "Player A to hit over/under 4.5 180s." This allows you to be more specific in your analysis, targeting players whose 180 rates you believe are mispriced.

Highest Checkout

The highest checkout market asks you to predict the highest individual checkout in the match. Bookmakers typically set an over/under line (for example, over/under 109.5), and you bet on whether the biggest single checkout by either player will exceed that number.

This is a volatile market because a single big finish can swing the result. A player attempting a 170 or 164 checkout only needs to hit it once for the over to land. Players with strong bullseye accuracy, who favour checkout routes involving the inner bull, tend to produce higher maximum checkouts.

Correct Score

Correct score betting involves predicting the exact final score of a match. In a best-of-11 legs match, possible results range from 6-0 to 6-5 for either player. This market offers higher odds than match winner betting because there are many possible outcomes, making it harder to predict the exact score.

Correct score betting rewards a deep understanding of how two specific players match up. If you believe a match will be very close, backing a 6-5 or 5-6 scoreline can offer excellent value. Conversely, if you expect a dominant performance, scores like 6-1 or 6-2 may offer better odds than the standard match winner market.

Outright Tournament Winner

Before and during a tournament, you can bet on which player will win the overall event. Outright markets are available for every major tournament, from the World Championship to the Premier League, and they offer some of the best value opportunities in darts betting.

Outright prices fluctuate as the tournament progresses. A player priced at 8/1 before the event might shorten to 3/1 after a strong quarter-final performance, or drift to 16/1 after a poor group stage display. Timing your outright bet is an important skill, and many experienced bettors take positions before a tournament starts, when the odds tend to be most generous.

Specials and Prop Bets

Major televised events often feature a range of special markets, including: whether there will be a nine-dart finish in the tournament, the highest checkout of the tournament, total 180s in the tournament, and player-specific markets such as "Player X to reach the final." These novelty markets add interest and can occasionally offer genuine value.

Understanding Darts Odds

Odds in darts work the same way as in any other sport. They represent the bookmaker's assessment of the probability of an outcome, with a built-in margin (or "overround") that ensures the bookmaker profits over time.

Decimal vs Fractional Odds

In the UK, odds are traditionally displayed in fractional format (for example, 5/2), whilst decimal odds (3.50) are increasingly common, particularly online. Both represent the same thing: at 5/2, a successful bet of one pound returns two pounds fifty in profit plus the original stake. At 3.50 decimal, a one pound bet returns three pounds fifty in total (two pounds fifty profit plus the one pound stake).

Implied Probability

You can convert odds into implied probability to assess whether a bet offers value. The formula for decimal odds is: Implied probability = 1 / decimal odds. So odds of 2.50 imply a 40% chance (1 / 2.50 = 0.40). If you believe the true probability of that outcome is higher than 40%, the bet has positive expected value.

Finding Value

Value betting is the cornerstone of profitable gambling. A bet has value when the true probability of an outcome is higher than the probability implied by the odds. For example, if you believe a player has a 55% chance of winning but the odds imply only a 45% chance, that is a value bet. Finding value consistently requires thorough research, a strong understanding of the sport, and disciplined bankroll management.

Key Statistics to Consider

Darts is one of the most statistically rich sports, and the availability of detailed data gives informed bettors a genuine edge. Here are the most important statistics to consider when analysing a match.

Three-Dart Average

The three-dart average is the single most important indicator of form. A player's recent average across their last five to ten matches gives a reliable picture of their current level. Compare both players' recent averages, and factor in the context: averages from televised events tend to be slightly higher than floor events due to the raised atmosphere and longer formats.

Checkout Percentage

A high checkout percentage can compensate for a lower scoring average. If one player averages 95 with a 45% checkout rate and the other averages 100 with a 32% checkout rate, the first player may actually win more legs. Always check checkout percentages alongside averages.

180s Per Leg

This statistic is directly relevant to the 180s market but also serves as an indicator of pure scoring power. A player hitting 0.4 or more 180s per leg is an elite scorer. Players who score heavily from the treble 19 bed may hit fewer 180s but achieve similar averages, so this number should be interpreted in context.

Head-to-Head Record

Some players consistently perform well against specific opponents, regardless of overall form. Head-to-head records can reveal patterns that are not captured by averages alone. A player who has won six of their last eight meetings against an opponent is likely to have a psychological edge, even if the opponent is currently higher-ranked.

Recent Form and Momentum

Darts players can go through hot and cold spells. A player who has reached three semi-finals in their last four events is clearly in strong form, whilst a player who has suffered consecutive first-round exits may be struggling with confidence. Form matters enormously in darts because the mental side of the game is so important.

Tournament-Specific Performance

Some players perform significantly better at certain events. Phil Taylor's record at the World Matchplay, Michael van Gerwen's dominance at the Premier League, and Gary Anderson's performances at the World Championship all demonstrate that certain players raise their game for certain occasions. Check historical records at specific tournaments before placing outright bets.

Tournament Betting Strategies

World Championship

The sets format at Alexandra Palace tends to favour experienced, consistent players. The longer format allows class to tell, and first-round upsets are relatively uncommon. Focus on players who perform well in sets-format events and who have strong records at the Ally Pally specifically. Early rounds can offer value if a qualifier is matched against a seeded player who has been in poor form.

Premier League

The weekly league format means that every match matters, and there are no second chances after a poor performance. The draw option adds complexity to the match winner market. Look for players who tend to start the season slowly or strongly, and consider handicap bets in matches where one player is significantly more motivated (for example, fighting to avoid elimination).

World Matchplay

The legs format at Blackpool tends to produce more upsets than the World Championship because there is no safety net of sets. A player who starts slowly in a best-of-19 legs match can find themselves too far behind to recover. Back players who start matches well and who have strong records in legs-format events.

Grand Slam

The group stage at the Grand Slam offers unique betting opportunities. You can bet on group winners, group qualifiers, and individual group matches. The shorter format of group matches (best of 9 legs) increases volatility, and upsets are more common. Look for value in backing strong players to top their group at generous odds.

Pro Tour Events

Floor events are harder to bet on due to the shorter formats and larger fields, but they offer value for those who follow the tour closely. In-play betting can be particularly profitable if you are watching a floor event and can spot a player who is clearly in form before the bookmakers adjust their prices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several common pitfalls trip up darts bettors, particularly those new to the sport.

Overvaluing rankings: The Order of Merit reflects prize money earned over a two-year period, not current form. A player ranked fifth might be in dreadful form, whilst a player ranked twentieth might be playing the best darts of their life. Always prioritise recent form over rankings.

Ignoring the format: As discussed throughout our guides, the format of a match fundamentally affects the outcome. A player who thrives in short-format sprint matches may struggle in a long sets match, and vice versa. Always factor in the format.

Chasing losses: This is the most dangerous habit in all gambling. If you lose a bet, do not increase your stake on the next bet to try to recoup the loss. Stick to your staking plan and accept that losses are an inevitable part of betting.

Betting without research: The availability of darts statistics online means there is no excuse for placing uninformed bets. Spend time researching both players before placing a bet, and only bet when you believe you have found genuine value.

In-Play Betting

In-play or "live" betting on darts has become increasingly popular. Most major bookmakers offer live odds that update after every leg, allowing you to place bets as the match unfolds. In-play betting can be profitable if you are watching the match and can identify situations where the live odds do not accurately reflect what you are seeing on the board.

For example, if a player loses the first two legs but is clearly throwing well and has been unlucky on doubles, the in-play odds may overreact to the early scoreline, offering value on the slow starter. Conversely, if a player wins the first three legs but is averaging only 85 against an opponent who is averaging 100 but missing doubles, the in-play odds on the trailing player may offer excellent value.