Darts has evolved from a pub pastime into a global spectator sport, with millions tuning in to watch the world’s best players compete in high-stakes tournaments.
From the PDC World Darts Championship held annually at Alexandra Palace in London to Premier League Darts, which travels around Europe, the sport is currently at its peak and the quality throughout every major tournament continues to improve.
As a result, in Ireland, darts enjoys a dedicated following, and with the rise of online betting platforms, including Tonybet, fans have more opportunities than ever to bet on this exhilarating sport.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the fundamentals of darts betting, explore popular betting markets, offer tips for beginners, discuss advanced strategies, and highlight how you can place informed wagers on Tonybet.
Understanding darts: the basics
Darts is played on a circular dartboard divided into 20 numbered sections, each representing a specific point value. Players take turns throwing three darts per visit from a distance of 2.37 metres (7 feet 9 inches), aiming to reduce their score from 501 to zero. The game concludes when a player finishes on a double, or for players who like to showboat, the bullseye.
The doubles can be found around the edge of the board, while the bullseye is the red circle right in the middle of the board. Players must check out on a double – or bullseye – to complete the match.
Matches are structured into legs and sets. For instance, in the PDC World Darts Championship, a player needs to win three legs to secure a set, with the final set requiring a two-leg advantage from the second round onwards. The tournament progresses through various rounds, culminating in a best-of-13-sets final.
Popular types of darts betting
When it comes to placing bets on darts, several markets cater to different preferences and expertise levels. Similar to betting on football and horse racing in 2025, there are multiple layers to placing bets on darts. From who’s going to win all the way to who will check out with the highest score, we’ll take a look at the main betting options below.
1. Match winner
This is the most straightforward bet, where you simply predict which player will win a particular match. This bet is ideal for newcomers and those familiar with the players heading into certain matches. Are they in form? Do they have a slight injury? Are they used to playing in front of big crowds? You can also bet on this market during the match. If you notice that a certain player is brimming with confidence, you can back them to come out on top in-play – if you are quick enough!
2. Outright winner
This particular selection involves backing a player to win an entire tournament, such as Premier League Darts. Again, you can back a player during the middle of the tournament once you have watched them play a few times – it doesn’t always have to be before the tournament begins. The benefit of this is that you may fancy a ‘dark horse’ at big odds, and take on the bookmakers. However, note that odds will fluctuate based on player form, draw outcomes and matchups.
3. Correct score
Predicting the exact final scoreline of a match, such as 10-7 in a best-of-19-legs encounter. This bet offers higher odds but requires precise forecasting. This can be seen as low risk, high reward, where punters normally spread their stake over a few outcomes with the odds normally being so high.
4. Handicap betting
To level the playing field between two players, bookmakers may offer handicap betting. For example, a -2.5 leg handicap means that the favourite must win by at least three legs for the bet to succeed. Instead of backing a clear favourite at short odds, you can back them to win by a certain amount of legs. On the flip side, you can back a player to not lose a match by a certain number of legs to make it more interesting.
5. Total legs or sets
Betting on whether the total number of legs or sets in a match will be over or under a specified number. This market focuses on the match’s duration rather than the overall match winner .
6. Total 180s
This bet predicts the number of 180s (the maximum score with three darts) thrown during a match. It’s particularly popular in matches involving high-scoring players. You can back how many there are in a match, or you can back a certain player to hit x amount of 180s in a match – or individual leg – or set.
7. Highest checkout
This involves betting on which player will achieve the highest checkout (the highest score to finish a leg) during a match or tournament. This market rewards players known for their finishing prowess. Remember, you’re not backing the winner, just a player who loves to produce big moments.
Tips for beginners
If you’re new to darts betting, it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to knowing where to start your betting journey. Don’t worry – consider our tips below to enhance your experience as you work your way up to being a pro.
1. Start simple
Begin with betting on the overall match winner, as they are straightforward and offer a clear understanding of the betting process. This will help you get a general feel for short or long matches, and how the odds will fluctuate during the game.
2. Research player form
Study players’ recent performances, head-to-head records, and statistics such as average checkouts and 180s. This information can provide an invaluable insight as there are certain players who relish certain tournaments, for example.
3. Understand tournament formats
Familiarise yourself with the structure of tournaments, including the number of sets and legs required to win, as this can influence betting strategies. There’s no point betting on a high number of 180s in the early stages of tournaments when matches are often fairly short, for example.
4. Manage your bankroll
Set a budget for your betting activities and avoid chasing losses. Responsible bankroll management ensures a sustainable and enjoyable betting experience.
Advanced darts betting strategies
For those looking to delve deeper into darts betting and progress from amateur status to pro, consider these advanced strategies.
1. Accumulator bets
Combine multiple selections into one bet, where all selections must win for the bet to succeed. While this increases the risk, the odds are often much higher – and it can help you enjoy a tournament with one bet rather than a few spread over different matches.
2. In-play betting
The fast-paced nature of darts makes it ideal for live betting. Monitor match dynamics and place bets on markets such as next leg winner or total 180s as the match progresses. If you’re watching a match and you are witnessing a player lose their cool and perform badly, you can look to take advantage and bet against them.
3. Hedge your bets
Place additional bets during a match to secure a profit or minimise losses, especially if the outcome of the initial bet becomes uncertain. Your pre-match bet may not be performing well, but instead of just accepting the loss, look at the odds for the opposition and see what you can back to return some winnings.
4. Specialise in niche markets
Explore less common betting markets, such as highest checkout or nine-dart finishes, where you can leverage specific player strengths. Sometimes picking the winner is difficult, but they may have a certain skillset that stands out – you can take advantage of big finishers, for example.
5. Use betting calculators and live stats
Utilise tools to calculate potential profits and compare odds across bookmakers. Platforms offering real-time statistics can help identify trends and inform betting decisions.
Darts betting at Tonybet
Tonybet provides a comprehensive platform for darts enthusiasts, offering a wide range of betting markets across major tournaments such as the PDC World Darts Championship. The platform features competitive odds, live betting options and various promotions to enhance your betting experience. Be sure to check out Tonybet for all upcoming major darts tournaments.
