Darts is a fast-paced and exciting sport that has grown in popularity among bettors. If you’re new to the game, you might be wondering, “How do you bet on darts?” This article will walk you through the basics of darts betting, explain the different types of bets available, and provide tips to help you get started. You can sometimes find darts selections on major apps like DraftKings and FanDuel.

Understanding the Basics of Darts

Before diving into betting, it’s important to understand the basics of darts. Darts is a game typically played between two players or teams, where the objective is to score points by throwing darts at a circular target, known as a dartboard. The game is usually played in a series of legs or sets, with the winner being the first to reach a predetermined number of legs or sets.

Key Terms in Darts

• Leg: A single game in a match where players try to reduce their score from a starting number, typically 501, to exactly zero.
• Set: A group of legs. A player must win a certain number of legs to win a set.
• Double: The outer ring of the dartboard that doubles the score of the segment hit. To win a leg, a player must finish by hitting a double.
• Checkout: The final dart or combination of darts that a player needs to win a leg.

Types of Darts Bets

There are several types of bets you can place on darts, each offering different ways to engage with the game. Here’s a breakdown of the most common darts bets:

1. Match Winner

The simplest and most popular bet in darts is the match winner bet. This bet is straightforward: you wager on which player you think will win the match. If your chosen player wins, so do you.

Example: If Player A is facing Player B, and you believe Player A will win, you place your bet on Player A. If Player A wins the match, your bet is successful.

2. Handicap Betting

Handicap betting is used to level the playing field when one player is heavily favored over the other. The sportsbook assigns a handicap, which is a set number of legs or sets that the favored player must win by to cover the spread.

Example: If Player A is a strong favorite, the sportsbook might set a handicap of -2.5 legs. This means Player A must win by three or more legs for your bet to win.

3. Total Legs/Over-Under

In this bet, you wager on the total number of legs in a match. The sportsbook sets a line, and you bet on whether the total will be over or under that number.

Example: If the line is set at 9.5 legs, you can bet on whether the match will have more than 9.5 legs (over) or fewer than 9.5 legs (under).

4. Correct Score

The correct score bet involves predicting the exact score of the match, usually in terms of sets or legs. This bet is more challenging but offers higher odds.

Example: If you believe Player A will win 4-2 in sets, you would place a bet on that specific score.

5. Highest Checkout

This bet involves predicting which player will have the highest checkout score in the match. A checkout refers to the final score that wins a leg, and the higher the checkout, the more impressive the finish.

Example: If you think Player B will achieve a higher checkout than Player A, you place your bet accordingly. If Player B hits the highest checkout in the match, your bet wins.

6. 180s Betting

A 180 is the highest possible score with three darts, achieved by hitting three treble 20s. In this bet, you predict how many 180s will be scored during the match or by a specific player.

Example: You can bet on the total number of 180s in a match or whether a specific player will score a certain number of 180s.

Tips for Betting on Darts

To improve your chances of success when betting on darts, consider the following tips:

1. Research Player Form

Just like in any sport, understanding the form of the players is crucial. Look at recent performances, head-to-head records, and how players have performed in similar tournaments.

2. Consider the Tournament Format

Different tournaments have different formats, such as the number of sets or legs required to win. Some players excel in shorter formats, while others perform better in longer matches.

3. Pay Attention to the Venue

The venue can have an impact on a player’s performance. Some players thrive in certain environments or in front of large crowds, while others may struggle.

4. Follow the Betting Markets

Keep an eye on the betting markets and odds movements. Significant changes in odds can indicate where the money is going and might suggest a shift in expectations.

5. Manage Your Bankroll

As with any form of betting, it’s important to manage your bankroll responsibly. Set a budget for your darts betting and stick to it, avoiding the temptation to chase losses.

Betting on darts offers an exciting way to engage with the sport, with various bet types that cater to different strategies and preferences. By understanding the basics of the game, familiarizing yourself with the different types of bets, and following some key betting tips, you can make more informed decisions and enhance your overall betting experience. Whether you’re betting on match winners, predicting the number of 180s, or trying your hand at handicap betting, darts provides plenty of opportunities for both new and experienced bettors.