A Beginner's Guide to Darts Betting: Tips for Irish Fans and New Punters

The origins of darts as a game can be traced back to the French game of Fléchettes (meaning "small arrows"), and later in England, via travelling fairground attractions, before being adopted in various forms into UK public houses in the late 1800s. It has also developed into a popular sport in Ireland. It has also become a widely watched betting sport, particularly during major events such as the PDC World Darts Championship and the Premier League Darts. If you are new to darts, the betting markets can seem daunting, but with some guidance, you can spot real value.

Before betting on the next Michael van Gerwen match or backing an underdog in the PDC World Masters, make sure you use a licensed platform. If you are looking to place bets with established betting operators in Ireland, you can use trusted platforms at Betinireland.ie. Let's walk through what you need to know to place successful bets on darts.

 

Understand the Main Darts Betting Markets

To make informed betting decisions, you must understand darts betting markets. For most new punters, going for match winner bets is the ideal choice. They are simple; you are backing one player to win the match. However, you will find great value in more advanced markets.

 

Correct Score

This market allows you to predict the final leg or set score in a game. It is one of the most attractive markets to bet on, as it offers higher odds. However, it is harder to call. For example, backing a 7-4 win in a best-of-13 match will return more than a straight match winner or outright winner pick.

 

Over/Under Legs or Sets

If bookmakers expect a match to be tight, they set a line on the total legs or sets. With this market, you will predict whether the total number of legs or sets in a darts match will be above or below a threshold set by the bookie. Say you bet Over 4.5 in a best-of-five game, your bet only wins if the total number of games played is 5. It is particularly useful when two players are evenly matched and you are uncertain about the outcome.

 

180s Markets

This is where darts betting becomes fun. With this market, you can bet on how many 180s will be thrown throughout the tournament. You can also predict which player will hit the most 180s in the tournament. Players like Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price are known for heavy scoring, but Michael Smith's total of 83 180s at the 2022 PDC World Championship remains unbeaten.

 

Handicap Betting

While it offers better odds, handicap betting is a slightly complex market, especially for beginners. In one-sided matches, the handicap levels the playing field by giving a virtual disadvantage to the favourite and favouring the underdog. For example, if Michael Smith is a strong favourite, you might back him at -2.5 legs to increase your pay-out if he wins.

 

Watch Form and Player Profiles

When it comes to darts, avoid betting solely based on world rankings, as form also matters. Some players perform better in televised tournaments, while others may struggle under the pressure of the spotlight. For example, in 2024, Damon Heta achieved a series of surprise wins in major tournaments despite being a lower seed, as he consistently exceeded expectations on stage.

Before deciding which player to back, pay attention to the following:

• Recent match averages (anything over 100 is top-tier)
• Checkout percentage (a player who finishes well under pressure is always valuable)
• Head-to-head records (some players simply have an edge over others)

 

Timing is Everything

Betting odds tend to fluctuate, especially before major events like the PDC World Darts Championship. Early markets may offer value before sharp punters can drive prices down. For outright bets on tournaments, getting in a week early can make a big difference.

Live betting is also important in darts, as momentum swings quickly. If a top seed misses early doubles, the odds shift. Platforms like those reviewed on BetinIreland.ie highlight which bookies offer reliable in-play odds and quick market updates.

 

Final Thoughts

Betting on darts is a great way to engage with the sport, but don't treat it like a guessing game. To give yourself better odds of winning your darts bet, learn the basics, watch live matches, read stats, and check out vetted platforms like Betinireland.ie that provide honest reviews on the best darts betting sites in Ireland.