Darts Tips for British Bettors
Darts is one of the UK's top spectator and participation sports, so, unsurprisingly, there's a flourishing betting market. If you're interested in betting and UK online casinos, give our suggestions a look, and you might find something you like.
Betting on Darts at UK Online Casinos
Betting comes in various shades, and if you like watching and betting on darts, you might find that top online casinos are also something you'll enjoy. Here are some top choices where new players can be welcomed with introductory bonuses to increase the chances of starting strong. Many slots come with sports themes, plus there's a combination of live and regular table games if you're more of a card shark than a slot jockey.
Some top casinos act as umbrella sites covering both casino and sports betting. This can be a great way for sports fans to see if a casino's up their street, as both types of play can occur under the same intangible roof. Plus, if you get lucky with slots, shifting those winnings and investing the money in some darts bets is effortless.
Back Van Gerwen?
Michael van Gerwen may not be the odds-on favourite to win the next World Darts Championship after his recent defeat in the World Grand Prix to Chris Dobey. However, he will put him in the running for another world title.
Michael lost in the second round in the World Grand Prix to Chris Dobey 3-2. The double start, double finish event has always been a highlight for dart fans. However, some major TV dart events exist before the 2023/2024 World Darts Championships at the Alexandra Palace, London. The bookies may again place Gerwyn Price as the favourite for the World title.
Nathan Aspinall has had a reputation for reaching the latter stages of tournaments only to fall short. After being dumped out of the World Grand Prix in round one by the former BDO World Champion Stephen Bunting 2-1, Nathan's hopes will rely on a good run in the Player Championship finals in Minehead in November. However, the Grand Prix's double start and double finish always bring surprises, and this year was no exception.
Long Term Bets
Sports betting often focuses on individual contests or perhaps tournaments/titles throughout a season. But there's also an opportunity for longer-term bets. These can be tournament or victory totals or whether a given player will win a particular tournament (with or without a time limit). Such bets necessarily mean wrapping up your money for a long time or an indeterminate period. But they can also offer substantial value if you keep your eyes peeled. A few years ago, Lewis Hamilton was 8/1 to beat Schumacher's win record and achieve 92 victories in F1, and now he is the first driver to top 100.
It's worth noting these markets are usually available as specials or on request, but it's worth keeping your eyes peeled. An established player exceeding a standing record or a talented newcomer achieving an individual tournament or title victory offers better value. Multiple title victories are perhaps of less value as they require repeated success, increasing the chances of unforeseen circumstances (dips in form, injury, retirement) getting in the way and delaying payout.
The Fallon Sherrock Effect
Even non-darts fans will have noticed the media impact of female player Fallon Sherrock MBE. She featured prominently in sports bulletins following her success over Ted Evetts in the 2020 PDC World Darts Champions. This watershed moment marked the first time a female player had beaten a man. It hugely increased Sherrock's media profile and led to speculation whether this would be the start of increasing numbers of women playing. After all, darts are a sport of skill, so there's no reason women can't compete against men.
Fallon has featured in several of the 2022, non-ranching PDC World Series Events and won the first PDC Women's World Matchplay at Blackpool in 2022. After missing a couple of the newly formed PDC Women's series of events, Fallon is currently ranked in third place, with Beau Greaves and Mikuru Suzuki ahead of her.
Since Beau Greave has accepted her invitation to the WDF World Darts Championship, December 2-10, Fallon is in line to again feature in the PDC World Darts Championship in December.
From a betting perspective, a sudden rush of publicity can provide market opportunities. When sportsmen (and sportswomen) are media darlings, whether for breaking new ground or being ultra-dominant or charismatic, the coverage surplus can help distort markets. This is a good thing for punters, as a distorted market is one where there's more value than usual. People often bet on the biggest names, driving down their prices. But, like a see-saw, the other must go up when one price goes down, which can present the bettor's value.
Should Fallon qualify for the 2023/2024 PDC World Championships, many punters will back her to win her opening match, as there will likely be some favourable odds.
General Sports Betting Tips
Here are a couple of general tips that apply to darts and other sports. First and foremost, don't be afraid to shop around. Your relationship with your bookie is not monogamous; you can (and should) have more than one. Odds don't diverge too heavily, but if they're a quarter-point different regularly, that adds up over a year and can be the difference between finishing in the red or in the black. You wouldn't turn down an extra 10% on your bank account interest, so why turn down an extra 10% potential return when betting?
Keep your heart in check. Fans often have favourite players, but if you let that lead your wallet, you're destined to lose in the long term because you're thinking with the wrong organ. Use your noggin, and if you can't divorce objective analysis from supporting a player, just don't bet for (or against) them.
Darts is one of the most popular sports in the UK, combining a lively atmosphere with plenty of betting opportunities. Pair it up with online casinos, and you can bet on both cards and darts at the same site.