In 1989, darts faced a critical juncture. Declining viewership and disappearing sponsors threatened its very existence, largely due to its “unprofessional” image linked to pervasive on-stage drinking. A controversial ban on alcohol during televised matches, though initially met with fierce resistance and impacting player performance, proved to be the sport’s unlikely savior. This pivotal decision paved the way for professionalism, the formation of the PDC, and ultimately transformed darts from a beloved pub game into a multi-million dollar global sport, demonstrating that cleaning up its act was essential for its survival and explosive growth.
The Myth of the “Good Old Days” vs. Harsh Reality
For decades, a persistent myth has circulated among traditional darts fans: that the sport lost its soul when the British Darts Organisation (BDO) banned players from drinking on stage in 1989. They often view this as the moment darts abandoned its working-class roots. However, for those who look deeper into history, this ban wasn’t a betrayal; it was a desperate measure that prevented darts from fading into obscurity.
During the 1980s, darts enjoyed significant television popularity, with the 1983 World Championship attracting over 10 million viewers. Yet, beneath the surface, the sport was grappling with an increasingly problematic image. Players like Bill Lennard and the legendary Jocky Wilson were known for consuming staggering amounts of alcohol during matches. It was common to see a player downing five or six pints during a best-of-nine-sets match – a spectacle that, while perhaps entertaining to some, raised serious concerns.
The Crisis Point: Darts on the Brink
By 1988, the romanticized image of the “lovable pub player” clashed starkly with a changing social landscape. Anti-alcohol lobbies were gaining influence, and major broadcasters like the BBC and ITV began to see darts as a significant liability. The data from this period paints a grim picture for any darts enthusiast:
- Between 1988 and 1989, televised darts hours on major UK networks plummeted by nearly 60%.
- Key sponsors, such as Unigate, began to withdraw their support.
The sport was quite literally disappearing from television screens because its on-stage conduct was widely perceived as “unprofessional” and out of step with public expectations.
The BDO’s Bold and Controversial Decision
On January 1, 1989, the BDO, having reached its breaking point, implemented a sweeping ban on both smoking and drinking on stage during televised matches. This decision was met with immediate and fierce resistance from many fans, who argued that darts was fundamentally a “pub game.” They felt that removing the pint was akin to removing the ball from football – an attack on the very essence of the sport.
Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on players’ performance, with many believing the ban would affect their nerves and lead to poorer play. For a brief period, the statistics seemed to support these fears. In the 1989 World Championship – the first “dry” tournament – the overall tournament average did indeed drop significantly. Legends who had seemingly relied on alcohol to steady their nerves suddenly appeared ordinary. Jocky Wilson, a prime example, visibly struggled with the new rules, yet remarkably managed to secure the 1989 title.
From Survival to Global Phenomenon: The Long-Term Impact
While the initial sentiment may have been one of loss or resentment, the truth is that the 1989 ban was precisely what darts needed to survive and thrive. Without this crucial intervention, the sport as we know it today would likely not exist. The ban directly paved the way for the pivotal “split” in 1993.
When the top 16 players, spearheaded by icons like Phil Taylor and Eric Bristow, broke away to form the World Darts Council (WDC), later renamed the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), they did so with a clear vision: to establish darts as a serious, global sport. They wholeheartedly embraced a sober, athletic, and professional image because they understood this was key to attracting major investment from broadcasters like Sky Sports.
The Financial Transformation: A Staggering Increase in Prize Money
The impact of this shift towards professionalism is most evident in the prize money. Consider these figures:
- In 1989, the World Champion took home a modest £20,000.
- By 2026, the winner’s cheque for the same title is projected to be a monumental £1,000,000.
This staggering 5,000% increase wasn’t driven by sentimentality or a longing for the past. It was a direct result of the sport shedding its old image, embracing professionalism, and moving into boardrooms where major commercial decisions could be made.
The Year Darts Grew Up
Ultimately, darts could never have evolved into the billion-dollar global industry it is today while clinging to its binge-drinking culture. Looking back, it’s clear that 1989 wasn’t the year darts lost its soul; it was the year it found its future, grew up, and truly began its journey to becoming a respected, mainstream sport.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
