Mastering the Darts Betting Game: Expert Advice for Punters

Darts is a British sport that has gained little popularity in Nigeria. However, it's world championships and major tournaments attract a large audience in other countries.

Darts captivates fans with its fast-paced physical, intellectual, and psychological battles.

Betting on darts is considered an exotic option by local bookmakers. However, players can still profit from it by considering the sport's peculiarities and employing effective strategies.

Darts is a sport with minimal surprises, making it relatively easy to predict.

In darts competitions, each player starts with 301 or 501 points, depending on the tournament's rules. Each dart that hits the target scores a certain number of points and reduces the player's overall score.

The game aims to reach zero before the opponent and finish with a score of exactly 0 after the final throw. If the score goes below zero, the throw is not counted.

Players take turns throwing three darts from a distance of 2.37 meters. A maximum of 60 points can be scored with a single throw.

A crucial requirement in darts is that the final throw hit a double segment or the bullseye.

A round in darts is called a "leg." Depending on the tournament format, a player wins a match or set by winning 3 or 5 legs. The winner of the match is determined after winning 3 legs or 4 or 6 legs (in which case, individual leg scores are not considered).

In less popular tournaments, the winner is determined over two days of competition. Players may have 3-4 daily matches if opponents play in a round-robin format.

Darts is a non-contact sport. In individual matches, the player's mental state and the ability to psych themselves against a formidable opponent play a crucial role.

In darts, bookmakers include various betting options in their markets, such as:

• Match winner: Betting on the overall winner of the match, individual legs, or sets, with or without handicap.
• Total scores: Betting on the total scores in individual legs, sets, or the highest checkout (successfully finishing a leg with a double segment using three darts).
• Exact score: Betting on the exact score of the match.
• Last dart colour: Betting on the colour of the segment, hit with the last dart.

Users can also predict whether a player can finish a leg in 9 darts, the minimum number of throws required to win a leg.

Bookmakers offer betting options on tournament winners in darts. In outright markets, users can choose the champion and select players from the top 3, top 5, or top 10 positions.

Experts have developed betting strategies for darts, and users apply two tactics that guarantee long-term profitability:

Betting Against the Favorite

1. In professional dart competitions, it is rare for a player to win with a score of zero. The opponent usually wins at least one set, even if they are of a lower skill level.
2. The underdog's odds of winning a set are around 2.00. According to the strategy, fans use a "chase" approach and place bets on the victory of the weaker darts player in the first set. If the bet is successful, the cycle is completed. The user then looks for a new match with a favourite and an underdog.
3. In case of a loss, the user bets on the underdog's victory in the second set. This process continues until the first win is achieved. The player increases the bet amount each time to profit and recover the lost money. The bet size formula is (X + Y) / (K - 1), where:

• X represents the planned profit.
• Y represents the amount lost.
• K is the current odds.

4. For example, a user plans to earn 2,000 NGN. The initial lost bet amount is 1,000 NGN, and the odds for the underdog's victory are 2.30.
5. Calculation: (2000 + 1000) / (2.30 - 1) = 3000 / 1.30 = 2308 NGN – the size of the next bet.
6. If the bet is successful, the profit will be 2308 * 2.30 = 5308 NGN. The net profit will be 5308 - 2308 - 1000 = 2000 NGN, which matches the user's planned income from the bookmaker.

The Cash Out Strategy for Betting on Favorites

The user selects bookmakers that offer cash-out options for outright bets to settle the bet based on the current odds before the official end of the championship if necessary.

Customers prefer to refrain from betting on individual matches as the contest's outcome is often determined by a few millimetres, making it difficult to predict. The long-distance competition eliminates random factors.

The advantage of this strategy is the need for a more thorough analysis. Users place bets on the victory of multiple favourites in the tournament.

When there is an opportunity to secure a profit, but the darts player faces a strong opponent in the next match, the fan requests a cash-out option from the bookmaker.

To place bets on darts, sports fans study the rules of the competitions and the tournament's format. It is recommended to start by familiarising oneself with the players' positions in the international darts rankings. Detailed analysis is conducted in darts, and during famous tournaments, players often compete in 3-4 matches per day.

When choosing a favourite in a match or a total in darts, factors such as the following are considered:

• Player rankings: Understanding the rankings will provide an idea of who is considered the favourite and the underdog.
• Game format: Different variations of darts are played in competitions, and it is important to determine which player performs better in a specific discipline before placing a bet.
• Statistical indicators: Analyzing the player's recent performance in 3-5 previous tournaments can help objectively assess their current form.

• Head-to-head matchups, if the opponents have met before, can provide insight into the course of the matches and help predict a potential winner.
• The level of motivation: The motivation of the players is influenced by the tournament's status and stage, the prize money involved, and the specific desire for revenge against key opponents.

Considering these factors allows for a more comprehensive analysis and prediction of possible outcomes in darts matches.

Before betting on darts, sports fans choose a bookmaker. Players can find favourable conditions, a wide range of markets, and higher odds in British companies like William Hill.

Most bookmakers in Nigeria offer bets only on the winner of the match or tournament and include a commission of at least 10% in the odds.

Several Nigerian bookmakers accept quick bets on darts, such as "Sportybet," "Parimatch.ng," and "Melbet.ng." Users can place bets on amateur pairs competitions around the clock. The players need to follow the classic rules of the game, as they throw darts three times in a turn. Clients of the bookmakers can place bets on the sector number or odd/even outcomes.

Significant darts tournaments take place throughout the year. The main event is the World Championship, where the leaders of the rankings traditionally compete.

Some of the significant darts tournaments include:

• World Masters
• World Matchplay
• World Grand Prix
• Premier League Darts
• UK Open
• European Championship

In the 21st century, the strongest darts players are determined by various organisations. The British Darts Organisation (BDO) and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) are the most prestigious ones.

Pros of Betting on Darts

1. Easy to understand: The rules of darts are simple, making it easy for anyone to follow along. This simplicity extends to betting on the sport, making it beginner-friendly.
2. Available information: There's ample information about professional darts players. Their accuracy, scoring tendencies, and head-to-head records can be readily found online. This allows punters to make informed bets.
3. Frequent events: Darts tournaments occur frequently throughout the year, providing plenty of betting opportunities.
4. Live Betting: Many bookmakers offer live betting on darts, which allows bettors to place bets as the action unfolds. This can add an extra layer of excitement to the event.
5. Numerous Betting Options: From predicting the outright winner to betting on the correct score or whether there will be a 9-dart finish, there are several ways to bet on a darts match, giving bettors many opportunities to win.
6. Global Popularity: Darts has a global following, especially in Europe, making it easy to find a market to bet on at any time.
7. Potential Profit: Like any form of gambling, there's potential for profit if you can accurately predict the outcomes of matches and bet wisely.

Cons of Betting on Darts

1. Potential for Loss: As with any type of gambling, there's always the potential for financial loss. While research can help improve your odds, there are no sure things in sports betting.
2. Addictive: Betting can become addictive for some people, leading to financial and personal issues.
3. Unpredictable Factors: Despite all the data available, darts is a game where small, unpredictable factors can change the outcome. A momentary lapse in concentration, a sudden change in form, or a slight injury can affect a player's performance and the result.
4. Limited Coverage: While darts are popular in some regions, it receives less coverage than other sports in many countries. This could limit the amount of information you have when making your bets.
5. Less Recognition: Darts betting carries a different prestige or recognition than other sports betting forms, like horse racing or football. This could be a downside if you want a specific betting experience.

• The strategy of betting on darts, systematic study of statistics, match analysis, and financial instruments can bring consistent profits in the long run.
• In sports betting, the "flat" strategy is often employed, which involves placing bets with a fixed amount or 2-3% of the current bankroll to mitigate the risk of losing large sums of money.
• Research Player Performance: Analyze players' recent performance, form, and track record in different tournaments. Consider factors like averages, checkout percentages, and tournament history to assess their consistency and reliability.
• Study Head-to-Head Records: Examine the head-to-head records of players who are competing against each other. Some players may have a psychological advantage or a particular playing style that suits or troubles their opponents. These insights can help you make more informed betting decisions.
• Understand Tournament Formats: Different tournaments may have varying formats, such as best of sets, best of legs, or group stages followed by knockout rounds. Understand how these formats impact player performance and adapt your betting strategies accordingly.
• Follow Expert Predictions: Keep track of predictions and analysis provided by darts experts and commentators. Their insights and expertise can provide valuable information and help you identify potential betting opportunities.
• Monitor Player Injuries and News: Stay updated on any news regarding player injuries, withdrawals, or changes in form. These factors can significantly impact a player's performance and may affect the outcome of matches.
• Explore Live Betting Opportunities: Darts matches often offer live betting options, allowing you to adjust your bets based on the unfolding gameplay. Watch the matches closely, identify momentum shifts, and take advantage of favourable odds that may arise during the game.