Ah, darts! Whether you’re in the heart of Dublin or some cosy pub in the middle of nowhere, chances are you’ve come across a darts board on the wall.
It’s the kind of game that invites you in for a quick throw, and before you know it, you’re lost in the skill, the precision, and the camaraderie. But while it may look like just a pub game to the casual observer, darts has grown into a professional sport with a huge global following. And, as with any good sport, where there’s competition, there’s also a bit of betting.
Now, you might be thinking, “Surely darts and gambling can’t go hand in hand?” But that’s where you’d be wrong. Darts betting is alive and well, with punters placing bets on everything from match winners to the number of 180s hit in a game. So, if you’re interested in having a flutter on the world of darts or simply want to understand it a bit better, this guide will break it all down for you – from the game’s basic rules to tips on smart betting.
The Basics of Darts
Getting Familiar with the Game
Darts may seem simple enough – you throw a dart at a board, hope to hit the bullseye, and that’s it, right? Well, not quite. While anyone can pick up a dart and give it a go, mastering the game requires precision, skill, and a good understanding of how scoring works.
In professional darts, the most common format is 501. Each player starts with a score of 501 points and works their way down to exactly zero. But, here’s the trick: the game isn’t over just by hitting zero. To win, a player must finish on a “double” – meaning they must land their final dart on one of the double-scoring sections of the board.
The darts board is divided into different scoring sections, each representing a number from 1 to 20. The outer ring of the board doubles the score, while the middle ring triples it. The bullseye, sitting right in the centre, is worth 50 points, while the green outer ring of the bullseye is worth 25.
Now, if you’re watching the professionals, you’ll see that the game isn’t just about hitting the bullseye repeatedly. Instead, they aim for the “treble 20” section, which is worth 60 points (3 x 20). This is the highest possible score with a single dart and is key to quickly reducing their score.
In a typical darts match, players compete in a series of legs, with the winner being the first to win a set number of legs or sets. Major tournaments, like the PDC World Championship, can see players battling it out over multiple sets, creating plenty of drama for the audience – and opportunities for bettors!
Darts Betting: How It Works
So, how do you bet on darts? The world of darts betting is diverse, with many markets for fans to place their wagers on. Here are some of the most common types of darts bets:
1. Outright Winner Bet
- This is the most straightforward bet. You choose which player you think will win the match or tournament. If they come out on top, you win your bet.
- For example, you might back Michael van Gerwen to win the World Championship, and if he lifts the trophy, you’re in for a payday.
2. Match Betting
- With match betting, you’re betting on the outcome of a specific match rather than the overall tournament. You pick which player will win that particular game.
- This is a great option for those who follow darts closely and have a good sense of form and player strength.
3. Correct Score Bet
- As the name suggests, this bet involves predicting the exact score of the match. For example, you might bet that Player A will beat Player B by 5 legs to 3.
- Correct score betting is riskier but offers higher rewards, making it an exciting option for those who want a bigger payout.
4. Handicap Betting
- In handicap betting, a stronger player is given a handicap to level the playing field. For example, if one player is heavily favoured to win, they might start with a -1.5 leg handicap. The underdog, on the other hand, would start with +1.5 legs.
- This type of betting is ideal when there is a significant mismatch in player ability and you want better odds.
5. Over/Under Betting
- Over/under bets involve predicting whether certain events in the match will be over or under a set number. For example, you might bet on whether there will be over 6.5 180s in the match.
- It’s a simple bet but adds excitement, especially when players start hitting high scores.
6. First 180 Bet
- This bet lets you predict which player will be the first to score the maximum 180 points in the match. It’s a fast-paced bet that can be settled early in the game, adding instant excitement.
Tips for Betting on Darts
While betting on darts can be a fun way to enhance your enjoyment of the game, it’s important to approach it with some strategy. Here are some tips to help you make more informed bets:
1. Study the Players
- Just like betting on horse racing, it’s crucial to know the players’ form. Watch recent matches, pay attention to player stats, and follow their performances leading up to big tournaments. Some players thrive under pressure, while others falter, so keeping track of their strengths and weaknesses is essential.
2. Follow the Tournaments
- Major darts tournaments, like the PDC World Championship and Premier League Darts, attract the best players and create the most exciting betting opportunities. Follow these tournaments closely to understand player form, tactics, and potential upsets.
3. Mind Your Bankroll
- One of the golden rules of gambling is managing your bankroll. Set limits for yourself and stick to them. Don’t chase losses or get carried away by a winning streak. It’s important to bet responsibly and only gamble what you can afford to lose.
4. Look for Value Bets
- Sometimes the best betting opportunities come when you spot a player that’s underrated by the bookmakers. Look for players who are in good form but may not be favourites, as they often offer better odds.
5. In-Play Betting
- In-play betting allows you to place bets while the match is in progress. This can be a great way to react to changing dynamics in a game, such as a player finding their rhythm or struggling under pressure. Keep an eye on the match as it unfolds and look for smart in-play opportunities.
Where to Bet on Darts
Top Online Casinos and Sportsbooks
Ready to place your bets? Here’s a list of popular online casinos and sportsbooks where you can bet on darts:
1. Bet365 Casino
- Bet365 is one of the biggest names in online sports betting and offers a wide range of darts markets. You can bet on everything from match winners to specific events, like the number of 180s thrown.
- Plus, Bet365 offers live streaming for many darts tournaments, allowing you to watch and bet in real time.
2. William Hill Casino
- William Hill has a long history in sports betting, and their darts coverage is top-notch. With various markets and competitive odds, it’s a great option for darts fans.
- They often offer promotions during major tournaments, so watch for extra value.
3. Paddy Power Casino
- Paddy Power is an Irish favourite known for its cheeky approach to betting. It offers a great selection of darts betting markets and is known for its promotions and specials during big events.
- Whether you’re betting on the World Championship or Premier League Darts, Paddy Power has you covered.
4. Betfair Casino
- Betfair’s sportsbook and betting exchange give you even more options for darts betting. You can back or lay bets, giving you flexibility in betting on matches.
- They also offer in-play betting, making it a dynamic option for those who like to bet as the action unfolds.
5. 888 Casino
- 888 is another top online casino that offers darts betting alongside their extensive range of casino games. Their platform is user-friendly, and they provide a variety of betting options on darts tournaments.
- From outright winners to match betting, you’ll find plenty of choices here.
6. Unibet Casino
- Unibet is known for its wide range of betting markets, and darts is no exception. You can bet on all major darts tournaments, including live in-play bets.
- Their platform is easy to use and often has special promotions during big events.
Conclusion
Darts is a game full of excitement, precision, and skill, and adding a bit of betting to the mix only heightens the thrill. Whether you’re a seasoned darts fan or a newcomer looking to place your first bet, understanding the game and the various betting options available is key to making smart decisions. Just remember, it’s all about having fun and enjoying the game. So grab your pint, place your bets, and may the best dart thrower win!
Enjoy your journey into the world of darts and gambling – and remember, bet responsibly!
