Darts Betting Guide | How To Bet On Darts In 2025

Darts is a sport and pub game where players throw small, pointed missiles at a circular dartboard. The aim is to reduce a starting score — usually 501 — to exactly zero by hitting specific scoring zones. It’s played casually in pubs and professionally in global tournaments.

The most common version is 501. Each player begins with 501 points and takes turns throwing three darts per round. The score from each dart is subtracted from the total.

• The outer ring counts as double the segment’s value.
• The inner ring counts as triple.
• The bullseye is worth 50 points; the outer bull is worth 25.
• A player must finish by hitting a double that reduces their score to exactly zero.
• If a player goes below zero, it’s a bust — the score resets to the start of that turn.
• Darts that bounce out or fall do not count.
• Throws must be made behind the oche (throw line), with one foot on the ground.

The dartboard has 20 numbered segments. Hitting a single scores the number shown; hitting the outer ring doubles it; hitting the inner ring triples it. The small bullseye scores 50, while the outer bull scores 25.

Players subtract each throw’s score from their total until they reach zero.

A 180 is the highest possible score with three darts — achieved by hitting three triple 20s. It’s often announced loudly at live events and is a key stat when betting on “Most 180s” or “Total 180s.”

The BDO (British Darts Organisation) and PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) were once the two main governing bodies in professional darts. The BDO followed a traditional model focused on grassroots development and promotion of the sport.

In contrast, the PDC was formed by a breakaway group of players seeking better prize money and more commercial opportunities. The PDC placed greater emphasis on entertainment, resulting in larger audiences, televised events, and significantly higher earnings for players.

Since the BDO folded in 2020, the PDC is now the dominant organisation in professional darts.

To become a professional darts player, aspiring players typically start by:

• Practising regularly and developing strong technique and consistency.
• Competing in local leagues and regional tournaments to gain experience.
• Entering qualifying events or Q-Schools hosted by organisations like the PDC.
• Climbing the rankings by earning prize money or points in recognised competitions.

Many professionals begin by joining local clubs or county leagues before progressing to larger amateur circuits.