Place Bets on Darts

Darts betting online is fast and unforgiving. Matches don’t give much time to recover, and one missed double can undo a solid leg in seconds. Most bettors end up watching body language and finishing more than averages, waiting to see who settles at the oche and who starts forcing shots.

Top Darts Competitions to Bet On

Darts has a rhythm to its season, and each major event asks different questions of the players. Some test stamina, others expose weak finishing, and a few are all about surviving the atmosphere. That steady calendar also makes it a great fit for sports betting, because form and pressure trends show up clearly across events.

PDC World Darts Championship

The Worlds at Alexandra Palace are their own thing entirely. The crowd is loud from the walk-on to the last dart, and matches stretch long enough for nerves to creep in. Players like Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Gary Anderson, and Gerwyn Price tend to handle the occasion better than most, while newcomers often struggle once matches move into the later rounds.

Premier League Darts

The Premier League moves city to city every week, which changes the dynamic completely. One night it’s calm, the next it’s hostile. Short matches mean there’s no time to settle, and finishing usually decides everything. Players like Luke Littler, Michael Smith, and Nathan Aspinall thrive when rhythm matters more than raw averages.

World Matchplay

Played at Winter Gardens in Blackpool, this event feels heavier than most. Long races and a legs-only format punish mistakes quickly. Players such as Van Gerwen, James Wade, and Peter Wright often excel here because they stay patient when matches grind on.

World Grand Prix

Held in Leicester, the double-in, double-out format changes how players approach every leg. Missed opening doubles stack up fast, and confidence can disappear quickly. Even elite scorers can look uncomfortable, which is why this tournament produces odd results.

UK Open

Often called the FA Cup of darts, the UK Open usually takes place in Minehead. The open draw means top players can run into each other early, while outsiders sometimes get breathing room. Fast stages, short matches, and little time to adjust create space for upsets.

European Tour Events

European Tour nights are loud, especially in Germany. Venues in Munich, Cologne, and Dortmund bring crowds that don’t let matches settle. Short formats, quick turnarounds, and constant noise reward players who start fast and finish cleanly, like Rob Cross or Dimitri Van den Bergh.

Most Popular Darts Betting Markets

Darts betting stays simple, but the margins are tight. Legs move quickly, and a short run of missed doubles can flip a match before the averages tell the full story.

Match Winner

The basic pick on who wins the match. It usually comes down to finishing and who holds their nerve in the last few legs.

Leg Handicap

Gives one player a head start in legs. Useful when one match feels closer than the odds suggest.

Over/Under Legs

A bet on how long the match lasts. Even clear favourites often drop legs, especially in longer formats.

Correct Score

Picking the exact leg score. Hard to land, but the odds reflect the risk.

180s

Backing a player to hit the most 180s or reach a certain total. Best suited to heavy scorers.

Checkout Markets

Focus on finishing, such as highest checkout or total checkouts. Missed doubles matter here.

First Leg Winner

A quick market that often reflects who starts sharper at the oche.

How to Predict Darts Matches Successfully

Darts looks simple, but small details decide most matches. A player can score well and still lose if the doubles don’t fall. Bettors who follow the tour tend to focus on rhythm and reaction rather than raw averages.

• Finishing: Doubles decide matches more than scoring power. Misses add up fast.
• Scoring rhythm: Players who find a smooth tempo usually hold throw more easily.
• Match format: Short races leave no room to recover. Longer formats reward consistency.
• Stage vs floor events: Some players thrive on big stages, others look better away from the spotlight.
• Crowd impact: Noise can lift some players and unsettle others.
• Recent workload: Tight schedules and travel show up late in matches.
• Head-to-head history: Certain matchups repeat the same patterns, especially in finishing battles.

Highest Darts Betting Odds Ever Won

Darts usually rewards the top names, but every so often a run comes out of nowhere. Short formats, crowd pressure, and hot finishing can carry players much further than expected.

Rob Cross to Win PDC World Championship 2018

Cross arrived as a former electrician with very little stage history. He stayed composed throughout the tournament and never looked overawed by the occasion.

• Bet: Tournament winner
• Odds: 20/1 (pre-tournament)
• Outcome: Beat Phil Taylor in the final

Raymond van Barneveld to Win PDC World Championship 2007

Barney’s run felt unlikely from the start. He survived multiple tight matches before edging out a dramatic final.

• Bet: Tournament winner
• Odds: 15/1
• Outcome: Beat Phil Taylor in a sudden-death leg

Michael Smith to Win World Championship 2023

After years of near misses, Smith finally put everything together. His scoring and finishing held up under pressure all the way through.

• Bet: Tournament winner
• Odds: 10/1
• Outcome: Won the title at Alexandra Palace

Dimitri Van den Bergh to Win World Matchplay 2020

Van den Bergh found form in a unique, crowd-free setting. He played freely and never lost control of his matches.

• Bet: Tournament winner
• Odds: 100/1
• Outcome: Beat Gary Anderson in the final

Danny Noppert to Win UK Open 2022

Noppert stayed steady through a hectic draw and handled pressure better than more experienced names.

• Bet: Tournament winner
• Odds: 80/1
• Outcome: Won the title

FAQ

What should I watch first when betting on darts?

Doubles. A player missing chances on the outer ring will lose legs even if the scoring looks good.

Why do some players score heavily but still lose matches?

Because scoring doesn’t finish legs. If doubles don’t fall, pressure builds quickly.

Do averages actually matter in darts betting?

They help, but they don’t tell the full story. Finishing percentage and timing matter more in tight legs.

How much does the match format change things?

A lot. Short races favour quick starters, while longer formats reward players who stay steady over time.

Are floor events different from stage events?

Yes. Some players look sharper without crowds, while others need the noise to lift them.

Why do darts matches swing so fast?

One missed double can turn into a break of throw, and suddenly the whole match flips.

Is live betting better for darts than pre-match betting?

For many people, yes. Rhythm and confidence are easier to read once a few legs are played.

Do head-to-head records matter in darts?

Sometimes. Certain players seem to struggle against specific styles or finishing rhythms.

What’s a sensible way to start betting on darts?

Stick to match winner or leg handicaps and focus on finishing rather than chasing big odds.