Beginners Guide to Darts Betting

If darts is one of your favourite sports and you wish to place bets on darts events, we present you our full guide on darts betting. Here you will read more about the basic terms of the game, you will know the most popular competitions and where to find the best odds.

  2. Betting Academy
  3. Betting on Darts
Page Navigation
Page NavigationTOP

Understanding the Rules

darts equipment

Darts is a simple sport to understand, and new beginners can pick it up in no time. The game aims to reach a score of zero before your opponent by throwing darts at a dartboard.

The dart board’s centre is placed at five feet, and eight inches off the ground and players stand at about seven feet nine inches away from the board. Each player has three throws before switching to the next player.

Scores begin at 501 or 301, with the maximum score per round of throws set at 180 (three triple 20s). To get to zero, the final throw must hit a double number. Exceeding the number needed will end your go, and the points will not be deducted from that throw.

Games can be played in either a ‘legs’ or ‘best of format’. The following sections will dive deeper into the differences in darts events and darts terminology.

Basic Terms

Break

When the person throwing a second wins the game.

Bull/Bullseye

The centre of the darts board worth 50 points for the inner red circle and 25 for the outer green.

Busted

Scoring more points than needed to checkout. Doing so will end your turn and reset your score to what it was before going over the needed amount.

Checkout

The number of points needed to win the game. This must be achieved to win the game and cannot be exceeded. Checkouts must end with a double.

Nine Dart Finish

Minimum amount of darts required to win a game. This is very rare and difficult to achieve.

Where to Find Darts Betting Websites?

Rating: 5.0/5
  • Trusted Online Betting Website
  • Licensed by the UKGC
  • Best Sports Betting Features
  • High Odds
New Customers only. Registration required. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. +18 | Terms & Conditions time limits & exclusions apply. | gambleaware.org #Advertisement
Rating: 4.9/5
  • Trusted & Secure Online Betting Site
  • Competitive Sports Betting Odds and Markets
  • Great Range of Casino Games
  • Professional Customer Support
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. 18+. gambleaware.org. Bet The Responsible Way. Full Terms apply | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Fantastic bonuses
  • Good sportsbook
  • Amazing casino games
  • Many payment methods
#ad • +18 Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days and expires after 14 days • Bonus valid on selected Casino games only • Bonus wins capped at £500, excluding Jackpot wins • You must wager Bonus amount x40 – this requirement varies by game Full T&Cs apply | begamblingaware | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.2/5
  • An amazing sportsbook
  • Superb bonus offers
  • Cash-out feature available
  • Mobile apps
18+ | New Players only | Get up to £50 in FreeBets, an Odds Boost Token, 20 Free Spins and £10 Casino Bonus when you sign up to Sportingbet today. | T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Extensive sports library
  • High odds
  • Separate apps for sports, casino, and poker
  • Fully legal and licensed
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Pace 1 sport bet (3+ selections) } Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min odds 2/1 (3.0) for each selection | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.9/5
  • Trusted online betting site
  • Great range of Sports Betting markets
  • Top-class Customer service
  • Various Payment methods
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. ￡30 bonus. New customers using Promo Code R30 only. Minimum ￡10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.3/5
  • Generous welcome pack + Free Spins
  • High-quality games by top suppliers
  • Regular Tournaments & Must-Drop Jackpots
Only available to new verified customers residing in the UK. Place a first ever sports bet (￡10 min. stake; single bets only; min. odds 2/5). Get 2x￡5 in free sports bets, ￡10 in bonus money at Casino and 20 free spins (￡0.10 per spin) on eligible NetEnt Slots. Payment method restrictions apply. T&Cs apply. | 18+ | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Great Range of Sports Betting Options
  • Casino Games are Available
  • Generous Welcome Bonus and More Promos
  • Different Sports betting features
18+ T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Great Sports Betting Coverage
  • Secure Deposits and Withdrawals
  • Enhanced Player Security
  • Various Promotions
New reg only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via ‘My Offers’ page within 30 days. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play, min odds 1/1 (2.0). Max. extra winnings £100. Once claimed, 30-day expiry. Cashed out, System & EW bets do not qualify. Other Promotional Play Restrictions Apply. T&Cs apply | 18+ gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | LeoSafePlay
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Trusted & Licensed UK Brand
  • Great Customer Support
  • Competitive Odds
  • Various Sports Betting Features
18+. UK Customers (Excluding NI) only. Cash stakes only. Min £10 stake required for initial £5 free bet. Min odds ½. Max £25 in free bets. Subsequent free bets equal 50% average of each 3 £5 max qualifying bets. 13 settled bets required to receive full £25 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed on sportsbook within 30 days of opening account. Cashed out bets will not qualify towards your average stake. One free bet offer per customer, household or IP address only. Free bet expires after 7 days. Payment method restrictions apply. 18+. T&Cs apply. | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Good looking website
  • An operator with a long history
  • Great selection of sports
  • Helpful customer support
18+ Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + T&Cs apply. | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Huge amount of promotions
  • Live dealer and casino games
  • VIP program
  • Helpful customer support
New Players Only. Free bet is a one-time stake of €/$/£10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: €/$/£20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Attractive Odds
  • Fun bets available
  • Cash-out feature
18+ | UK new customers only | KYC verified | Min £10 bet | Max £20 free bet (2 x £10) full amount awarded on losing first bet only | Min odds 7/10 (1.70) | Free bet stake not returned | Certain Markets/sports/payment methods restrictions apply | Cashed-out and Bet Builder bets are excluded from this offer | Qualifying bet must be made within 30 days | Free bet valid for 30 days | T&C's apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Good welcome offer
  • Active cash-out option
  • Plenty of sports
New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+ gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Reliable & professional brand
  • UKGC licensed
  • Great betting features
  • Wide variety of horse races
New UK/IE customers only. Sign up and place your first sports bet at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater and if it loses, get a free bet equivalent to 50% of your first bet stake (min £10), to a maximum value of £25, plus 25 free spins on Gold Horsey Winner. Full T&Cs apply.18+ | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
  • UKGC Licensed Bookmaker
  • Wide Range of Sports Betting Options
  • Competitive Odds
  • Professional Support
18+ Opt in, bet £10 on football (odds 2.00+). No cash out. Get 6x£5 football free bets at specified odds for set markets, 7 days expiry. Valid from 12:00 UK Time on 25/08/2023. Card payments only. T&Cs apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Please gamble responsibly
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Good payment methods
  • Allows easier access to mobile betting games without the need of a browser
New Customers Only, Sign up using Bonus Code: MB:20. Place your first bet, if it loses we will refund your first bet stake as a free bet, up to the value of £20. The first bet must be placed within 7 days of registration and at odds of 1.8 or more. 18+ T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.7/5
  • Trusted & Licensed UK Brand
  • A wide array of promotions
  • Various Sports betting features
  • Various payment options
New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Licensed bookie
  • A lot of betting features
  • Live betting
  • A ton of payment options
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MAX ONE £10 FREE BET. QUALIFYING BETS MUST BE PLACED AT ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. PAID AS BONUS TOKEN WITH MIN 4/5 ODDS REQ. SKRILL, NETELLER & PAYPAL NOT ELIGIBLE. T&C APPLY. 18+ | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Great range of sports betting options
  • Cash out is available
  • Wide array of casino games
New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. T&Cs Apply. 18+ gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Extensive Sports Selection
  • Range of betting features & responsible gambling tools
  • Diversity of slots, table games & Live Casino
  • 24/7 Customer support
New players only. Min deposit £15. Max free bet token amount: £10. 18+ T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.3/5
  • Hundreds of betting options on over 15 sports
  • Welcome bonus with low wagering requirements
  • Fast & Secure payments
  • Licensed in Sierra Leone
18+ T&C apply | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.2/5
  • Cash out option is available
  • Modern and stylish approach
  • Huge selection of games from several providers
Bet £10 Get £10 Free Acca Bet | T&Cs apply. New players only. Qualifying bet(s) must have minimum odds of 4.0 and must be settled before triggering free bet. Free Bet must be used on an accumulator with 3 or more selections. 18+ | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.1/5
  • available cash-out option
  • offers live streaming function
  • has apps for iOS and Android
If your account has Sportsbook losses at the end of your first day's betting, QuinnBet will refund 50% of your losses as a Free Bet up to £35 (min 3 bets) Plus 10 Free Spins on Smoking Hot Fruit Stacks. Even if your account is up, you're guaranteed a £5 Free Bet Plus 10 Free Spins provided you place at least 1 bet of £10 or greater at the minimum odds. T&Cs apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly

Show More

All the top sportsbooks will likely offer darts betting markets in some form. It’s not too tricky to find betting websites with darts coverage, so which you choose to go with is largely down to personal preference. There will be variations between sites regarding odds for each selection, betting markets offered, competitions covered, and things like user interface and payment options. It’s often a good idea to compare odds for selections and bet across multiple platforms depending on which offers the best odds for that specific event.

Above all else, make sure that your chosen sportsbook is reliable and safe. You can read user reviews online to get a better idea of a platform’s performance. Always make sure they are fully licensed by a credible authority before giving away personal information or making a deposit.

Which Are the Most Popular Competitions?

darts board bulls eye
British Darts Organisation (BDO)

This dart competition was founded in 1973. 66 member counties make up the organisation. A dispute in the 1990s led to many players breaking away from the BDO to form the Professional Dart Corporation.

Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)

The breakaway organisation started by disgruntled darts players in the 90s. The PDC has established itself over the next couple of decades and now hosts the yearly PDC World Darts Championship, World Grand Prix, the World Matchplay, UK Open, Premier League, and Grand Slam. The PDC is also in charge of the darts world rankings.

World Darts Championship

Hosted yearly since 1994, the World Darts Championship is one of the most popular darts events in the world. Winners have largely been dominated by English players, but there has been more diversity in recent years. The most successful player in WDC history is Phil Taylor, with 14 wins.

Short History and Facts

Darts first started in pubs and clubs before rising to become the global sport it is today. The best darts players earn seven figures a year and compete in tournaments across the world. Betting in darts has become increasingly popular as the sport has grown and shows little sign of slowing down.

Final Thoughts

Betting on darts is similar to betting on any other sport, given the types of popular markets on offer. The more knowledge and experience you acquire about betting on the sport, the smarter your selections will become. Gaining a strong understanding of the sport is vital to long term success, and there are plenty of resources at your disposal online to help you do just that.

FAQ

How to bet on darts?

The more darts coverage and statistics you consume, the better placed you will be to make well-informed bets. The rules are relatively simple, so it’s all about soaking in information and being able to spot value bets.

Which are the most famous markets in darts betting?

There are several popular betting markets in darts. Still, some of the best include match winners, handicaps, the most 180s, correct score, nine-dart finish, and highest checkout.

Where can I get darts betting tips?

There are tonnes of resources online that offer darts betting tips, including this very page. As well as reading up on darts and betting, it is worth watching a lot of events and absorbing as much as you can.

What are virtual darts betting?

Virtual darts betting uses 3D graphics to recreate the experience of watching a real game of darts. You can tune in to these events and bet on various markets just like you would on a real darts event.

Where can I find the world cup of darts odds?

Darts betting odds can be found on bookies sites or on comparative websites where you can see which bookmakers offer the best odds for a specific selection.

Can I bet on live darts?

Yes, like most other sports, betting in play is an option with darts. You may find that this isn’t possible for every darts betting market, but there will be markets where you can make bets as the play unfolds.

What is the best darts event to bet on?

There are loads of great darts events to bet on, but the most popular is probably the annual World Darts Championship. These best names in darts compete in this competition, which attracts a lot of bettors. As such, you will find a wide selection of betting markets across the top sportsbooks when it is on.

Author
Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
Kristiyan KyulyunkovKristiyan Kyulyunkov specializes in bookmakers’ analyses. He has years of experience betting online and always keeps an eye on the different operators. His tasks in Nostrabet include writing, editing and publishing expert reviews.