Darts

What Is Darts and Why Is It Popular?

Darts is more than just a pub pastime - it’s a fast-paced, precision-driven sport with a dedicated global following. With major tournaments, rising stars, and plenty of betting opportunities, darts has carved out a unique space in the world of online sports betting.

Whether you're in the US, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, or Europe, this guide will walk you through the fundamentals of darts betting - from understanding the sport itself to mastering popular betting markets and strategies.

A Brief History

Originating in the UK, darts has grown into a professional global sport, particularly under the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). The PDC revolutionized the game, turning it into a spectacle with packed arenas, live TV broadcasts, and elite players with huge followings.

Global Appeal

The sport enjoys strong fan bases in:

• United Kingdom and Europe – Home of the PDC and World Championship
• Australia and New Zealand – Rising interest through local leagues and televised coverage
• South Africa and the US – Gaining traction via international streaming, betting platforms, and grassroots initiatives

Darts Legends and Current Stars

Understanding the players is a major part of betting success. Knowing the legends and watching today’s stars can help you make smarter bets.

Legendary Names in Darts

• Phil "The Power" Taylor: The most iconic figure in darts history, with 16 World Championship titles. Taylor defined an era of dominance and professionalism.
• Raymond van Barneveld: A Dutch fan favorite, known for his five World Championships and electric presence on stage.
• Michael van Gerwen: Another Dutch great, “MVG” brought explosive scoring, speed, and aggression to the sport, dominating the late 2010s with multiple major wins.

Today’s Top Stars

• Luke Littler: The teenage sensation who has already won five major titles including the 2025 PDC World Championship. Littler is seen as the future of darts and a key betting favorite in most markets.
• Gerwyn Price: The "Iceman" from Wales, known for his fiery passion and former rugby background.
• Michael Smith: A power scorer and World Champion with the ability to win from anywhere.
• Damon Heta: Australia's top darting export, representing the Southern Hemisphere’s rising standard.

Following these players helps bettors assess form, momentum, and the psychology of a match.

Major Darts Tournaments to Know

Before placing bets, it's important to know which tournaments draw the biggest attention and offer the most betting options.

PDC World Darts Championship

Held annually at Alexandra Palace in London, this is the biggest and most prestigious darts event. Top-ranked players compete over a two-week period in December and January.

Premier League Darts

A tour-style event featuring weekly matches across various cities. It's perfect for live betting due to its regular schedule and competitive nature.

World Matchplay

Known for its unique format and historic venue (Winter Gardens, Blackpool), the Matchplay brings high-stakes action and big names every summer.

BDO World Championship

Although no longer as dominant as the PDC, the British Darts Organisation (BDO) World Championship still holds historical significance and attracts plenty of betting interest, especially in Europe.

Other Notable Events

Events like the Grand Slam of Darts, UK Open, and World Grand Prix offer exciting, varied formats and are great for betting due to upsets and underdog stories.

Darts Betting Markets Explained

Darts offers a wide range of betting markets, catering to both casual and advanced bettors.

Match Winner

A straightforward bet on who will win the match. Ideal for beginners.

Correct Score

Predict the exact final score (e.g., 3–1 in sets). Offers higher payouts, but requires precision.

Handicap Betting

Used when there's a strong favorite. The sportsbook gives the underdog a head start (e.g., +1.5 sets). You bet on whether the favorite can overcome the handicap or the underdog can stay within it.

Most 180s

Bet on the player who will score the most "180s" in the match — a 180 being the highest possible score with three darts.

Over/Under Total Legs/Sets

Bet on whether the total number of legs or sets will be over or under a specified number.

Outright Tournament Winner

A long-term bet on who will win the entire tournament or the Premier League. Best used when you're confident of a player’s form over several matches.

Live Betting: Real-Time Action, Real-Time Profit

Darts is tailor-made for live or in-play betting. With its rapid-fire pace, short legs, and momentum shifts, live betting adds excitement and opportunity.

Popular Live Betting Markets

• Next Leg Winner: Bet on who wins the upcoming leg, ideal for identifying short-term momentum.
• Will There Be a Nine-Darter?: A nine-dart finish is the perfect leg in darts and incredibly rare. Betting on this happening in a match offers big potential payouts.
• Next Checkout Total: Predict the exact number a player finishes on (e.g., 170, 121).
• To Break Throw: Bet on whether a player will win a leg on their opponent’s throw.

Why Bettors Love Live Darts

• Instant feedback: Bets are settled quickly.
• Momentum matters: You can capitalize on a player getting “in the zone.”
• Great for underdogs: Spotting shifts early can bring major value on live odds.

To get the most out of live betting, follow the match live – either via stream or scoreboard – and know the players' tendencies under pressure.

Smart Darts Betting Strategies

• Know the Players: Track form, scoring averages, and checkout percentages.
• Understand the Format: Legs-based events favor upsets more than long set formats.
• Venue and Conditions: Some players thrive under bright lights, while others falter.
• Study Head-to-Heads: Past matchups often reveal patterns and psychological edges.
• Bankroll Management: Set a budget, spread your bets, and never chase losses.
• Use Bonuses and Promos: Check our Special Offers page, and use deposit bonuses, free bets, parlay boosts, stake-back offers, and parlay insurance that can significantly boost your long-term betting value and reduce risk.

Understanding Darts Betting Odds

Decimal Odds (Europe, Australia, NZ, South Africa)

Example: 2.50 means a $10 bet returns $25 ($15 profit).

Fractional Odds (UK)

Example: 3/2 means you win $3 for every $2 wagered.

American Odds (US)

Example: +200 means a $100 bet returns $200 profit; -150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100.

Always monitor our odds across different markets and bet types - especially in-play, where they can shift dramatically in real time.

Regional Perspectives: Darts Betting by Country

United States

Darts is still growing in popularity, but Everygame Sportsbook is constantly expanding its coverage. Keep an eye out for undervalued odds, especially in markets where public familiarity is still low.

South Africa

Interest is growing fast, particularly around major events like the PDC World Championship. Check out our Special Offers page for dedicated promotions during tournament season.

Australia and New Zealand

The sport is on the rise, fueled by televised events and local stars like Damon Heta. Everygame Sportsbook offers competitive odds on both pre-match and live betting markets.

Europe

As the heart of darts betting, customers benefit from Everygame Sportsbook’s deep markets, competitive odds, and a top-tier mobile platform for fast and seamless wagering.

Responsible Darts Betting Tips

• Set time and money limits before you start betting
• Always bet with a clear mind and avoid alcohol or stress-influenced decisions
• Stick to your strategy and take regular breaks
• Never chase losses

Final Thoughts

Darts betting combines sharp strategy with thrilling, fast-paced action. As the sport continues to grow worldwide, more opportunities open up for informed bettors to profit.

Whether you’re betting on a legend like Michael van Gerwen or the new sensation Luke Littler, Everygame Sportsbook provides all the tools, markets, and promotions to enhance your darts betting experience.

Use this guide as your launchpad, and keep your eye on the bullseye- both in the game and in your betting strategy.