Darts Betting in the US: How to Bet on Darts

Does the US media provide little to no information on darts betting? Don’t worry, we have you covered! This guide will take you through the key themes of darts betting and how to start betting on darts today.

To begin, let’s review how darts is played and the exciting features of the sport.

Key Takeaways

• Learn the principles of darts.
• Examine the types of darts bets and major darts events around the world.
• Understand easy-to-apply darts betting strategies!

Dart Rules: How to Play Darts

The main goal in a standard game of darts is to reduce your score from 501 (or 301) to exactly zero, finishing with a double (the outer ring of the dartboard).

The dartboard layout: 

• The dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, each with a different point value ranging from 1 to 20.
• The outer ring (double) doubles the points of the section it surrounds.
• The middle ring (triple) triples the points of the section it surrounds.
• The bullseye is the center of the board: the outer bullseye scores 25 points, and the inner bullseye scores 50 points.

How a darts game is played:

• Each player takes turns, throwing three darts per turn. The points scored in a turn are subtracted from the player’s total score.
• To win, a player must reduce their score to exactly zero, and the final dart must land in a double (or the bullseye, which counts as a double for this purpose). 
• If a player reduces their score below zero or exactly one point, the turn is considered a bust, and the score returns to what it was before the turn began.
• A match is typically divided into legs and sets:
  • A leg in sports betting refers to a single game, and a set is a collection of legs.
  • The first player to win a predetermined number of sets wins the match.

How Do You Bet on Darts?

Betting on darts is a simple and easy process to get involved. I first started to bet on darts because of the wildly entertaining matches I saw on social media.

Step 1: Understand Dart Odds

Understanding darts betting odds is crucial for making informed betting decisions and maximizing potential returns. By understanding the likelihood of different outcomes, you can manage your betting risk more effectively, avoiding bets that offer low returns for high risk.

There are three types of darts odds:

• Decimal Odds
  • How it works: The number represents the total payout you will receive for every unit staked, including your original stake.
    • Example: 3.00 — If you bet $10 at odds of 3.00, your total payout will be $30.
• Fractional Odds
  • How it works: The fraction shows how much profit you will make relative to your stake.
    • Example: At odds of 5/1, for every $1 you bet, you win $5 in profit. If you bet $10, your total payout would be $60.
• American Odds
  • Positive Odds: These represent the amount you can win on a $100 bet.
    • Example: +200 (for an underdog) — +200 means you will win $200 on a $100 bet.
  • Negative Odds: These indicate how much you need to bet to win $100.
    • Example: -150 (for a favorite) — -150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100.

Step 2: Choose a Darts Betting Site

When choosing a reputable darts betting site, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience. 

• Make sure the site is licensed and regulated by a recognized authority. This ensures the platform operates under strict rules, protecting your funds and personal information.
• Research the site’s reputation by reading user reviews and expert opinions. 
• Check if the site offers competitive odds on darts events and a wide range of betting markets (e.g., match winner, highest checkout, total 180s). Better odds and more options give you greater flexibility and potential for higher returns.
• Look for welcome bonuses, free bets, and ongoing promotions tailored to darts betting. 

→ Bet365 Sportsbook stands out as a top choice for darts betting, and here’s why:

They offer a wide range of darts markets, including major tournaments like the PDC World Championship, Premier League Darts, and more niche events.

Bet365 consistently provides competitive odds, giving you better value for your bets. They offer live betting options for darts, and in some regions, live-streaming of matches, allowing you to bet while watching the action unfold.

Step 3: Place Your Bets

1. Create and verify your account: Sign up with your personal details, such as name, email, address, and date of birth, and verify your identity
2. Deposit Funds: Log in to your betting account using your username and password and find the “Deposit” or “Cashier” section on the website or app. Choose a payment method to deposit into your account.
3. Explore Betting Markets: Once your account is funded, go to the sports section of the site and find “Darts.” Browse through the available events and markets.
4. Place your darts bets: Once decided, place your bets and track them using the website interface!

Most Popular Types of Darts Bets

Darts offers several types of bets that target different parts of the sport and can engage any level of sports bettor and fan.

Match Winner

Match winner bets are one of the simplest and most popular types of bets in darts betting. A match winner bet involves predicting which player will win a particular darts match. 

Making match winner bets a great option for both beginners and experienced bettors. 

Total 180s

Total 180s bets focus on the number of times a player or both players in a darts match score the maximum of 180 points with three darts (three treble 20s in a single turn). This bet type doesn’t depend on the match’s outcome but rather on the number of 180s scored during the game.

There are a few variations of total 180s bets, such as:

• Total 180s by a single player
• Total 180s in a Match
• Over/Under Total 180s

Betting on 180s adds excitement to the game, as every time a player steps up to throw, you’re rooting for them to hit three treble 20s. While some players are known for consistently hitting 180s, the number of 180s in a match can be hard to predict due to various factors like nerves, match length, and form on the day.

Highest Checkout

The “Highest Checkout” bet in darts betting is a wager on which player will achieve the highest checkout during a match or tournament. The checkout in darts refers to the score a player must reach to win a leg, typically by finishing with a double or bullseye. 

The highest checkout is the highest score a player successfully finishes with, typically ranging between 40 (double 20) and 170 (the maximum possible checkout).

You’ll typically choose between two players, with odds set by the bookmaker based on their finishing ability. This bet type allows you to focus on individual player performance rather than the overall match outcome, making it appealing if you have strong insights into a player’s finishing ability.

Predicting the highest checkout can be tricky but rewarding, especially if you spot an opportunity where the odds don’t fully reflect a player’s potential.

Correct Score

Betting on the correct score in darts involves predicting the exact final scoreline of a match. This bet type requires you to accurately forecast both the winning player and the number of legs or sets won by each player. 

Some final score combinations are 6-3, 7-5, or 3-1, depending on the format.

Correct score bets usually offer higher odds than standard match winner bets, providing the opportunity for larger returns if your prediction is accurate. This bet type appeals to bettors who enjoy in-depth analysis and strategy.

Predicting the exact final score is challenging, especially in closely contested matches where the outcome can swing in either direction. 

Handicap Betting

Handicap betting in darts is a popular way to balance the odds when there’s a clear favorite and an underdog in a match. This type of bet gives the underdog a “head start” in terms of legs or sets, while the favorite is handicapped by having to win by a larger margin. In darts, the handicap is expressed in terms of legs or sets, depending on the match format.

Example:

• Leg Handicap: In a best-of-11 legs match, the handicap might be -2.5 legs for the favorite, meaning they must win by at least 3 legs for the bet to succeed.
• Set Handicap: In a best-of-5 sets match, the handicap might be -1.5 sets for the favorite, meaning they must win by at least 2 sets.

Handicap is similar to spread betting in American sports. Handicap betting can provide better odds on the favorite, making it more appealing for bettors who want to back a stronger player but at more competitive odds. 

While predicting the winner is difficult enough, handicap betting requires you to accurately predict the margin of victory or the underdog’s performance. Although handicap betting offers potentially better odds, it also introduces more complexity and risk compared to standard match winner bets.

Darts Live Betting

Live darts betting involves placing bets on a darts match while the game is ongoing. The odds fluctuate in real-time based on the match’s progress, how the players are performing, the score, and other dynamic factors.

Options typically include the match winner, total 180s, correct score, and specific player markets. While many of the same markets are available, additional markets exist such as the outcome of the current leg, next 180, or even the result of the next dart thrown.

Live betting requires predicting the outcome based on prior knowledge and analysis of the players and conditions. Bettors also have to react to what’s happening in real-time, allowing bettors to capitalize on shifts in momentum or changes in player form during the match.

Major Dart Events to Bet On

Darts has several major events to bet on throughout the season, giving bettors multiple options to engage and bet on.

PDC World Darts Championship

The World Darts Championship is one of the most prestigious events in darts, organized annually by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). It typically takes place in December and concludes in early January at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London. 

This tournament is considered the pinnacle of professional darts, attracting the best players from around the world and offering substantial prize money. The tournament draws a massive global audience, with millions of fans tuning in to watch live broadcasts. 

Bettors can place bets on outright winners, specific matches, handicap picks, 180 variations, highest checkout, and live bets just to name a few. 

Darts Premier League

Unlike traditional knockout tournaments, the Premier League features a unique league-based format, making it distinct from other darts competitions. The event spans several months, with matches held across different cities, offering fans the chance to see top players compete weekly.

The Premier League features 10 of the world’s best darts players, usually including the top-ranked players and a few wildcard entries selected by the PDC. After the league phase concludes, the top four players advance to the playoffs and compete for the title.

In addition to the standard bet types for darts, the Premier League includes other bet types such as finish in top 4, judgement night, and special prop bets. 

World Series of Darts (WSOD)

The WSOD is a series of professional darts tournaments organized by the PDC. The series was established to promote the sport globally, with events taking place across various countries outside the UK. The WSOD aims to expand the popularity of darts in regions where it’s less established. Events are hosted in cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. 

The US Darts Masters is a pivotal event within the World Series of Darts, particularly in the context of promoting the sport in North America. Typically held in Las Vegas, the event is crucial for growing darts in the US.

The event also features American players who get the chance to compete against the world’s best. This exposure is invaluable for the development of local talent.

For US bettors, the US Darts Masters offers a unique opportunity to engage with the sport. Given the increasing popularity of sports betting in the US, the event provides a fresh market with various betting options.

Darts Betting Strategies I Live By

Finding strategies to follow when betting on darts can yield profits and an enjoyable experience.

• Analyzing player form with their recent results, head-to-head records, and playing style to find value in certain matchups or events.
• Bankroll management by setting a budget and limits to your bets to stay disciplined. This includes avoiding chasing losses that can lead you down a harsh road.
• Find darts picks and research methods from experts to supplement your research.
• Diversify your bets with different bet types, with some bets increasing risk and others reducing risk. Some examples of increasing risk are parlays or underdog bets.
• Use live betting to capitalize on momentum changes or value opportunities during a match
• Choosing the right betting site with proper security, licensing, betting options, and competitive odds is key to darts betting
• Maximizing darts bonuses such as welcome bonuses or free bets are easy ways to make a profit without risk. They are a fun way to place bets as well.

So, Are You Ready for Some Darts Betting Tonight?

Darts betting is a niche sport that can be quickly understood, leading to profitable betting. The use of player research can find matchups to exploit in the betting markets. By reading our full guide, you’ll know everything there is to place your next darts bet!

Are you looking for more expert tips and betting strategies to develop your skills? Why not check out our Betting 101 section?