How to Bet on Darts: Full Betting Guide Tips, Odds & Best Darts Sites for 2024
By Scott Bowen,Editor at online-gambling.com
Scott Bowen
Editor at online-gambling.com
| Rules Diffuculty | Medium |
|---|---|
| Betting Types | 20+ |
| Payout | 93% - 95% |
| How to Win | Tips & Strategies |
| Where to Bet | Unibet |
How to Bet on Darts: Betting Guide
Darts is a sport that is becoming more and more popular across the world. While it has always had a strong following in the UK, it is now starting to infiltrate the American market. This guide takes you through all of the key aspects of getting started with darts betting.
There are unique types of betting markets to check out, as well as plenty of useful tips and strategies to consider when it comes to learning how to bet on darts. This darts betting guide hopes to improve your chances of being profitable in the long run.
Best Online Darts Betting Site for Real Money Bets:
Top Offer
Most leading sportsbooks these days offer some sort of online darts betting. However, some darts betting websites are better than others. We have conducted extensive research at online-gambling.com to determine the best betting sites for darts on the market today.
Darts Betting Rules
Just like with any type of sport that you are placing bets on, there will be some tips and tricks that are unique to that given activity. By learning these different rules over time, you can create the most optimal strategy for your needs.
By crafting together a number of different useful strategies, you are able to figure out what the best types of bets to place might be. While you are not guaranteed success, these different rules can greatly aid you in your quest for success.
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limit your selections | With any form of betting, it can be easy to get carried away and try to place bets that contain too many selections. Instead of going for the massive parlay bets, you should focus on bets that have a max of three selections at one time. |
| Get the best odds | One of the easiest ways to guarantee that you are maximizing your profits is by making sure that you get the best odds for every bet. This means shopping around all of the leading darts betting websites. |
| Follow the action | Darts is a sport that lends itself nicely to live betting opportunities. By watching the action for yourself, you can often pick up on useful trends or information that can be used to place a good bet. |
| Review your bets | If you are starting off with darts betting, it is a good idea to try out the various markets on offer. Over time, you will build up a record of bets and you can review them to see which types of bets consistently generate you profits. |
| Pay attention to matchups | Darts is a sport that has a lot of bravado attached to the games. This means that there can be a lot of tension in certain matchups. It is good to pay particular attention to past form between two players, with this often providing extremely beneficial information. |
If you keep a note of some of these rules, you can start seeing how they perform for you. Over time, you will see which works the best and which can be discarded. This constant refinement is important for continual improvement in your betting.
Betting Types
With darts betting, there are plenty of unique types of betting markets that you will not find elsewhere. These have their own specific rules that need to be learned. It is a good idea to place bets on each of the major betting types to see which are suited to you.
It also expands the tools in your armory when you are deciding what might be the most profitable bet for your needs. Here are some of the leading darts betting markets you will come across:
| Betting Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Match Winner | The most basic type of bet is placing money on who you think is going to win a match. This is not a fancy type of bet, being ideal for no-nonsense bettors. |
| Future Betting | Futures betting sees you placing a wager on a future event. This will often be betting on who you think is going to win an entire tournament or who will be the overall winner at the end of the season. |
| Handicap betting | As some darts games can be a bit lopsided, handicap betting comes in handy. These markets allow you to level the playing field, making it more of a viable option to place certain types of bets in an uneven game. |
| Correct Score | You can place bets on what you think is going to be the correct score in terms of each leg, as well as the correct set score for the overall match. |
| 180-betting | The golden number in darts is 180. You can place bets on who you think is going to get the most 180s in a match or what the total 180s might be. |
| Highest checkout | This type of bet allows you to wager on who you think will have the biggest checkout during the match. |
| 9-Dart Finish | One of the most exciting aspects of darts is the potential for a 9-dart finish. You have a lucrative betting market to wager on whether you think there will be a 9-dart finish to the match. |
| Winners of Legs | You can bet on what player you think is going to win a given leg, as well as how many darts it might take in order to come out on top in a given leg. |
As you can see, there are some types of bets that are constant across all different sports, whereas others are unique to darts. The best darts betting sites will have dozens of different markets of the bigger games in the sport.
Darts Betting Terms
As darts is a sport that is not as popular as others, there might be some terminology that you will come across that you might not be familiar with. By understanding the different definitions, it can go a long way to making the betting experience easier. Here are some useful darts terms to be aware of.
- Accumulator: This is the name that people in the UK normally give for a parlay bet. Each of the selections is called a ‘leg’ or a ‘fold’.
- 9-Dart Finish: A 9-dart finish is the perfect end to a game. This is when the fewest amount of darts is used in order to get a perfect 501 score.
- Checkout: A checkout in darts means the total points a player scores in his or her final round of darts.
These are often terms that will be associated with popular betting markets in the sport of darts. You can now put them to good use when you are placing wagers on matches in the biggest darts events in the world today.
Odds & Payouts
If you manage to learn about the key players in the darts world, as well as the optimal betting strategy, you will be in with a chance of profiting. Some bettors prefer to try to capture small wins on a regular basis, whereas others are looking to hit it big every so often.
Normally, you will get access to the biggest range of markets and best odds when you are betting on games in a popular darts tournament. There are numerous tournaments that will be a key part of a bettor’s calendar.
| League/Tournament | Nation | Continent | Payout % |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Matchplay | Great Britain | Europe | 94.60% |
| Grand Slam of Darts | Great Britain | Europe | 94.20% |
| World Grand Prix | Ireland | Europe | 94.30% |
| Players Championship | Great Britain | Europe | 93.60% |
| European Championship | Great Britain | Europe | 94.20% |
| UK Open | Great Britain | Europe | 94.50% |
| World Cup of Darts | Austria | Europe | 94.00% |
| World Series of Darts | Varies | Europe | 93.00% |
Each of these events has its own unique quirks to consider. Some players tend to perform well at certain tournaments, even if they are out of form coming into the event.
Leagues and Tournaments
There are more and more big darts tournaments being added to the calendar each year. Fans of the sport are constantly growing. The big spectacle that surrounds darts tournaments these days has been a big reason for its growth. With the presence of plenty of big personalities, there is rarely a dull moment in the sport.
Naturally, a lot of the bigger events in the world of darts will be focused in and around the UK. However, there are more and more darts events spreading across Europe and other parts of the world. Here is a look at some of the best darts tournaments around today:
World Matchplay
While the World Matchplay was dominated by the legendary Phil Taylor for so many years, in recent times it has become a much more even playing field. There is such great depth in the player pool that you will always come across some optimal odds.
When the fans are packed in, many players either sink or swim. With the spotlights bright on each and every match, bettors need to look at players who won’t get fazed.
Grand Slam of Darts
The Grand Slam of Arts sees only the best players that the world has to offer come together in this select field. Players who have a good previous track record in this event tend to do well again, so event form is a very big factor to consider for bettors.
World Grand Prix
The World Grand Prix of Darts usually takes place annually in Ireland and is jam packed with a vocal Irish crowd. The atmosphere is electric, with some players able to play off this energy and use it to fuel their matches. Favorites tend to do well here, but some upsets have happened over the years, particularly in the earlier rounds of the tournament.
Players Championship
The Players Championship usually sees the best performing 64 players during the Player Championship season come together. Michael van Gerwen has dominated this event in recent years, but there is always value on some of the dark horses outperforming expectations.
Best Darts Betting Sites
As a lot of the best sportsbooks in the world now offer betting on darts, you have plenty of choices. We have brought together the leading options for you to check out. Here are the top 5 darts online bookmakers for 2024:
Here below the Top 5 Cycling Online bookmakers for 2024:
| Darts Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Pros and Cons | Test Score | Trusted Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betiton | Get £10 | Loyalty Program , Cash Out , No Bet Builder | 97% | www.betiton.com | New customers only. max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 2.00 or greater. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal are not eligible. T&C's apply. 18+ |
| Bet365 | Get £50 | Countless Markets , Great Odds , Drab design | 96% | www.bet365.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New customers only. Registration Required. Min deposit $5. Bet Credits available to use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bets and payment methods exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and full Terms and Conditions apply. |
| 888Sport | Get £30 | Good Welcome Offer , Long-Running Site , Limited Live Streams | 96% | www.888sport.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New customers only. The bonus will be applied once the full deposit amount has been wagered at least once with cumulative odds of 1.5 or greater. Wagering must be cleared within 90 days. This offer may not be combined with any other offer. Withdrawal restrictions and full Terms and Conditions apply. |
Each of these operators have a wide-range of different types of dart bets, as well as covering dozens of other sports. Therefore, they can act as a perfect destination for all of your sports betting needs.
Bookmaker Offers & Bonuses
Bonuses are always welcomed by bettors as they are a great way for you to boost your account’s balance without having to risk much. The free bet is perhaps the most popular type of offer you get your hands on.
A lot of the bigger darts tournaments will get exclusive promotions. This could be in the form of insurance on your parlay bets or moneyback if the favorite loses. Whatever the case may be, there are tons of great offers available through the best sportsbooks.
| Darts Betting Site | Bonus* | Wagering Requirement | Min Odds | Min Deposit | Top Payment Method | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betiton | Up to £10 | 1x | 2.00 | £15 | Mastercard | New customers only. max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 2.00 or greater. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal are not eligible. T&C's apply. 18+ |
| Bet365 | Up to £50 | 1x | 1.20 | £10 | Skrill | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New customers only. Registration Required. Min deposit $5. Bet Credits available to use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bets and payment methods exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and full Terms and Conditions apply. |
| 888Sport | Up to £30 | 1x | 1.50 | £10 | Neteller | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New customers only. The bonus will be applied once the full deposit amount has been wagered at least once with cumulative odds of 1.5 or greater. Wagering must be cleared within 90 days. This offer may not be combined with any other offer. Withdrawal restrictions and full Terms and Conditions apply. |
| William Hill | Up to £30 | 1x | 1.50 | £10 | MasterCard | Full T&Cs apply. Enter the P30 promo code when depositing for the first time. Minimum £10 deposit. Maximum £15 x2 free bets. Free bets expire 30 days from issue. New customers only. |
| Unibet | Up to £40 | 3x | 1.40 | £1 | Visa | Full T&Cs apply. Make your first cash bet on any event. If your first settled bet loses, you will receive a refund in bonus money to your account equal to the amount of your losing wager (up to $250). You will receive the refund within 72 hours. Promotion Period - October 29th, 2019 – Onward. Players that are awarded a bonus for the Risk-Free Bet refund, will not be eligible for the 100% Casino Match Deposit. When depositing, players have to select the “Sportsbook | 2x $10 Free Bets & $250 Risk Free Bet” offer in the ‘Select your bonus’ section. |
Thankfully, there is almost always great flexibility with the free bet offers you get your hands on. You can often use them for pre-game, in-play, or mobile betting. There are many great darts betting apps out there today that give you the ability to place wagers on the go.
Live Darts Betting
Placing bets on games that are ongoing is a very popular method of betting. It means that you are able to take advantage of certain trends you might be seeing during a given game. These days, sportsbooks are placing much more of a focus on their live betting offerings.
Top for Live Betting
You can often use free bets and other bonus offers for live markets. Some sites will even offer you an option to live stream the given game that you are betting on.
Darts Betting Apps
As a lot of people now prefer having the flexibility to place sports bets through their phone, sportsbooks usually have a good mobile app or website. Both Android and iOS devices should have no issues accessing these platforms.
Best Darts App
The best mobile app stands out in terms of its ease of use, promotions, and comprehensive darts betting markets. It works with all popular browsers and operating systems. Therefore, it is an ideal fit for almost every mobile bettor.
Thankfully, welcome bonus offers will also be available if you are exclusively using a mobile app. Some bookies even offer a bonus dedicated to mobile bettors. Therefore, you are not missing out on anything.
New Betting Sites
New sportsbooks are constantly getting launched. While some of them might just be a brief flash in the pan, others will be around for the long haul. The great thing about new sports betting sites is that they can often bring something new and fresh to proceedings.
The platforms can often be very modern and contain different types of innovative features in an attempt to stand out from the crowd. They also often have great welcome offers in an attempt to attract new bettors.
Top New Darts Bookie
Our chosen operator for new darts bookies has quickly expanded its betting offering into an impressive selection. There are regular offers for bettors, as well as a very well-laid out section for darts betting. There are all sorts of great live betting markets for darts matches on a frequent basis, with major events having very good odds.
Where to Legally Bet on Darts
Every country is going to have its own rules when it comes to the legality of sports betting. These days, more and more regions are embracing legal sports betting. This is because there is significant tax revenue that governments can take in from issuing licenses and taxing operators. Here is the current legality situation for some of the most notable countries in the world:
| Country | Legal Age | Online Darts Betting |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 18 | Yes |
| United States | 18 or 21 | Varies By State |
| France | 18 | Yes |
| Spain | 18 | Yes |
| Italy | 18 | Yes |
| Malta | 18 | Yes |
With the United States, there is going to be a different situation in each state. While sports betting is federally legal, each state will decide for themselves if they want sportsbooks in their jurisdiction.
However, a lot of the European markets have legal sports betting on offer. Many of the best darts betting sites are found in Europe and have licenses from respected authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission.
Tips and Strategies
Just like all forms of sports betting, there are useful strategies to consider when you are engaging in darts betting. These can help you find potentially lucrative opportunities, as well as making sure that you stay disciplined with your betting. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Research matchups: If you are betting on a given darts matchup, it is important that you dig deep into the two players’ previous records playing against one another. There are a lot of grudges in darts, with some players being able to defy the odds and up their games when it comes to certain opposition.
- Look at trends: For each of the bigger tournaments in darts, you will often come across interesting trends that will be able to influence your betting. Some players tend to perform better in certain types of events, while others fail time after time in certain arenas.
- Tailor your approach: It is important that you are tailoring the types of darts bets you are placing depending on the situation. There are tons of great opportunities to use different betting types rather than using the same ones again and again.
- Utilizing cash out: If you are looking good during a given bet, you might want to cash out some or all of the profits. This is particularly useful if your longshot bet is looking good. Taking profit off the table is never a bad thing.
- Focus on the big events: The more notable darts tournaments will usually have more markets, better odds, and great bonus offers that will all work towards potentially profiting.
As you start out with your darts betting journey, you can try out these different tips and see if they work for you. The end goal is doing whatever you can in order to boost your chance of being profitable with your bets. If you are looking for a particular strategy, here are some of the common ones used by bettors:
| Strategy | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Hedging | There are certain occasions when you will be able to hedge your risk for a given bet by taking advantage of different bookmakers offering significantly different odds on a given event. Therefore, you can find potential arbitrage opportunities when you do your research. |
| Value betting | Some bettors prefer to only bet when they find opportunities with value. This means that the bookie has seemingly mispriced an event, with the odds being much bigger than they should be. |
| Martingale | This is a strategy that is widely used in all forms of gambling. It sees you doubling your stake each time that you lose a bet. This would normally work for odds of at most even money. |
| D’Alembert | This is a strategy that will utilize units. Therefore, it is adaptable to whatever your preferred betting sizes might be. When your bet loses, you increase the next wager by a single unit. If the first bet wins, then you keep the same stake size. |
| Fibonacci | Some bettors like to use a Fibonacci system to place their bets. This also works for shorter odds markets and sees you increasing your stake to whatever number is next in the Fibonacci sequence when you lose. If you win a bet, then your stake moves back two numbers. |
Most of these strategies are not only for darts, they can be adapted to other sports like tennis betting and football betting. Once you have a disciplined plan in place, you can set yourself up for success.
History of Darts Betting
As the years go by, betting on darts becomes more and more advanced. Improving technology means that there are a lot more capabilities for sportsbooks. In a short space of time, many different changes have come to gambling, many for the better. These cover everything from slots, poker, and sports betting. Here are some of the notable changes over the years that have had a big impact on the gambling sector:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Betting on ongoing sports events started to become a possibility. People could now wager on darts players even though the fixture had already started. |
| 2007 | As smartphones became widespread, placing bets through mobile devices became a reality. This was one of the most important changes to ever come to the betting industry. |
| 2007 | The UK Gambling Commission was formed in September 2007. This now-respected authority was tasked with the regulation of the entire gambling sector in the region. |
| 2018 | In May 2018 the Supreme Court in the United States ended the federal sports betting ban. Therefore, every state was able to legalize sports betting if they wished to do so. |
| 2020 | A review of the 2005 Gambling Act in the UK began in December 2020. This looks at potential massive changes to the sector in an attempt to bring legislation into a digital age. |
| 2021 | News broke that New York’s governor was supporting legal online sports betting. The fourth most populated state in the US would be the biggest to date to legalize online sports betting. |
In the coming years, significant further changes will likely come to the sector. More US states will be legalizing sports betting and new markets all across the world will start to flourish.
Final Thoughts
The best bookies in the world today continue to improve their offerings at every opportunity. This includes constantly expanding their darts betting offerings. You will have access to the best bonuses and features when you choose a leading sportsbook. If you are looking to get started with a darts betting site, we have handpicked yet another great option for you:
Top Offer
Our experts work hard to collect all relevant information to make your cycling betting more comfortable. We search for different operators, rate them by various criteria, and bring you the best bookmakers at your fingertips. To summarize the basics of darts betting, we have put together several frequently asked questions.
FAQ
With so much information in this article about different bookies, bonuses, tips, and strategies, some punters may get confused. In order to find your answers quickly, you can dip into the FAQ section, and it will resolve all your doubts about cycling betting.
1. What is the best online darts betting site?
You will come across dozens of quality darts betting sites. It is important that you know what exactly you are looking for in a given offering. You may have a preference for a certain aspect of darts betting, such as the most comprehensive live betting markets. These preferences will dictate which operator is the best fit for your needs.
2. How to make money betting on darts?
Like all forms of sports betting, you are always in with a chance of making money. While it is not easy, you can be profitable. It is important that you have a tried and tested plan in place for your darts betting. This can be tweaked over time to adapt to your results.
3. Are there any darts betting tips and strategies?
There are many strategies and tips that relate to darts and sports betting as a whole. Much of this advice has already been outlined in this guide. Much of it relates to proper research, being disciplined, and having a good strategy in place over the long run.
4. Can I place in-play bets on darts?
Most sportsbooks will offer live betting markets for darts games. Therefore, you are able to adapt to the changing circumstances during a game and potentially take advantage of it. Live betting is becoming more and more popular, with a lot of betting sites now offering live streaming of darts games if you place a bet on it.
5. How to bet on darts?
There are dozens of different betting markets to choose from when it comes to darts betting. Many of these markets are unique to this sport, providing you with plenty of flexibility in your approach to betting. All leading sportsbooks should now offer extensive darts events for both pre-game and in-play betting.