Understanding darts betting markets is crucial for anyone looking to add excitement to watching the sport and potentially profiting from their knowledge. This guide breaks down the most popular darts betting markets explained, from straightforward match winners to more complex options like 180s and checkout markets, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed bets.
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Darts Betting Markets Explained: A Comprehensive Guide
Darts betting offers a wide array of opportunities for fans to engage with the sport beyond simply watching the matches. However, navigating the various darts betting markets explained can be daunting for newcomers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common and popular markets, helping you understand the nuances of each and make more informed betting decisions. From understanding the odds to identifying value, this article provides the insights you need to succeed in the world of darts betting.
One key aspect to consider when exploring darts betting markets explained is player form. Keep an eye on recent performances, head-to-head records, and even player interviews to gauge their confidence and preparation for a match. This information can be invaluable when choosing which market to bet on.

Match Winner
The most straightforward darts betting market is the Match Winner. Simply put, you’re betting on which player will win the match. The odds reflect each player’s perceived chance of victory, taking into account factors like ranking, recent form, and head-to-head record.
For example, if Michael van Gerwen is playing Peter Wright, and the odds are Van Gerwen 1/3, Wright 9/4, a £3 bet on Van Gerwen would return £1 profit (plus your £3 stake) if he wins. A £4 bet on Wright would return £9 profit (plus your £4 stake) if he wins.
Tips for Betting on the Match Winner
- Consider Head-to-Head Records: Analyze how the players have performed against each other in the past.
- Assess Current Form: Look at their recent results and performance levels.
- Factor in Venue: Some players perform better in certain venues or conditions.
Set Betting
In many professional darts tournaments, matches are played over a set format (e.g., first to three sets). Set betting involves predicting the correct score in sets. This market offers higher odds than the Match Winner market, as it requires more accurate prediction.
For instance, in a best-of-five sets match, you might bet on Michael Smith to win 3-1 against Gerwyn Price. This requires Smith to win three sets and Price to win one set for your bet to be successful.
When it comes to darts betting markets explained, Set Betting provides an opportunity to leverage your understanding of player stamina and consistency across multiple sets.

Leg Betting
Within each set, there are individual legs. Leg betting allows you to wager on specific aspects of these legs, such as:
- Most Legs: Betting on which player will win the most legs in the match.
- Correct Score in Legs: Predicting the exact score in legs for a specific set or the entire match.
- First Leg Winner: Predicting which player will win the first leg of the match.
Leg betting markets can be highly volatile, making them attractive for experienced bettors who can analyze individual leg dynamics and player momentum. Understanding these nuances is critical when exploring darts betting markets explained.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is used to level the playing field when there’s a clear favorite in a match. The bookmaker gives the underdog a virtual head start, which is expressed as a plus (+) handicap, while the favorite receives a minus (-) handicap.
For example, if Peter Wright is a heavy favorite against Dave Chisnall, the handicap might be Wright -2.5 legs. This means Wright needs to win the match by at least three legs for your bet to be successful. Conversely, if you bet on Chisnall +2.5 legs, he can lose the match but still win your bet if he loses by two legs or less, or wins the match outright.
When considering handicap betting, evaluate the players’ consistency and ability to perform under pressure. This market is especially useful when you believe the favorite will win comfortably. See Darts Culture And Community Guide for more insight on the dynamics of the sport.

180s Markets
Hitting a 180 (three darts scoring 60 each) is a crucial aspect of darts. 180s markets are a popular choice for bettors and offer several options:
- Most 180s: Betting on which player will hit the most 180s in the match.
- Total 180s: Predicting the total number of 180s scored in the match by both players combined.
- First 180: Betting on which player will hit the first 180 of the match.
- 180 in the First Leg: Simply betting on whether there will be a 180 in the first leg of the match.
To succeed in 180s markets, consider the players’ scoring consistency and their tendency to hit maximums. Some players are known for their power scoring, making them more likely to hit a higher number of 180s. Before placing your bet, research player statistics to identify potential value.
Understanding these intricacies is vital when exploring darts betting markets explained. For example, a player known for aggressive scoring might be a good choice for the “Most 180s” market, while a consistent player might be better suited for a handicap bet.
Checkout Markets
The checkout is the final stage of a leg, where a player must reduce their score to zero, finishing with a double. Checkout markets offer a variety of betting options:
- Highest Checkout: Betting on which player will have the highest checkout in the match.
- Checkout Over/Under: Predicting whether the highest checkout in the match will be over or under a specified number (e.g., Over/Under 120.5).
- Checkout Colour: Predicting which colour (red/green) the checkout will be on.
Checkout markets require an understanding of players’ finishing abilities and their preferred checkout routes. Some players are more comfortable finishing on specific doubles, making them more likely to hit high checkouts. You can learn more about Building Local Darts League Club Guide strategies.

Nine-Dart Finish
A nine-dart finish is the perfect leg in darts, requiring the fewest possible darts to reach zero from 501. Betting on a nine-dart finish occurring in a match is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The odds are typically very long, reflecting the rarity of this feat.
While predicting a nine-dart finish is largely based on luck, consider the players’ scoring ability and their tendency to go for high-risk finishes. This market is best suited for those looking for a thrill and a potentially large payout. You can even consider looking at Promoting Local Darts events to get a better feeling for player form.
Other Specialized Darts Betting Markets Explained
Beyond the core markets discussed above, several other specialized options exist for more experienced darts bettors:
- Correct Score: Predicting the exact final score of the match in sets or legs.
- Odd/Even Number of Legs/Sets: Betting on whether the total number of legs or sets in a match will be odd or even.
- Nationality of Winner: Wagering on the nationality of the tournament winner.
- To Win a Specific Set: Betting on a specific player to win a particular set within the match.

Tips for Success in Darts Betting
To increase your chances of success in darts betting, consider the following tips:
- Do Your Research: Analyze player statistics, recent form, head-to-head records, and venue performance.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your darts betting and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses.
- Understand the Odds: Learn how to interpret odds and identify value bets.
- Specialize in Certain Markets: Focus on markets where you have a strong understanding and knowledge.
- Watch the Matches: Observe the players’ performance and tendencies in real-time.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest darts news, injuries, and tournament updates.
By following these tips and understanding the various darts betting markets explained, you can enhance your enjoyment of the sport and potentially profit from your knowledge.
Conclusion
Darts betting markets explained can seem complex at first, but with a solid understanding of the available options and a strategic approach, you can increase your chances of success. From simple match winner bets to more intricate 180s and checkout markets, there’s a betting option to suit every preference and risk appetite. Remember to research thoroughly, manage your bankroll wisely, and stay informed about the world of darts. Now that you’ve gained insights into darts betting markets explained, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Visit your preferred online bookmaker and explore the exciting world of darts betting! Start by learning How To Start A Darts League and become an avid darts fan!
Hi, I’m Dieter, and I created Dartcounter (Dartcounterapp.com). My motivation wasn’t being a darts expert – quite the opposite! When I first started playing, I loved the game but found keeping accurate scores and tracking stats difficult and distracting.
I figured I couldn’t be the only one struggling with this. So, I decided to build a solution: an easy-to-use application that everyone, no matter their experience level, could use to manage scoring effortlessly.
My goal for Dartcounter was simple: let the app handle the numbers – the scoring, the averages, the stats, even checkout suggestions – so players could focus purely on their throw and enjoying the game. It began as a way to solve my own beginner’s problem, and I’m thrilled it has grown into a helpful tool for the wider darts community.