Sport Betting

Date: 21.11.2025

by Tomasz Jagodziński

Darts Betting Sees Rapid Expansion Across Europe

Darts is entering a period of rapid commercial and betting growth, supported by strong broadcast exposure and rising stars who are drawing new audiences to the sport. Fresh data from Entain shows that interest in darts betting has accelerated significantly in recent years, confirming its shift from a niche pursuit to a mainstream betting category across Europe.

Strong Long-Term Betting Growth

Entain’s digital sportsbook data shows consistent expansion in darts-related betting since 2018. The number of bets placed on the sport has increased by 37%, while activity around the PDC World Darts Championship has grown sharply, with bets nearly doubling at 92%. Total stakes have risen by 59%, reflecting sustained engagement among bettors.

The upward trajectory has carried into the current darts season across major televised tournaments. According to Entain’s figures, staking growth compared to 2024 includes:

  • 22% in the 2025 BetMGM Premier League

  • 41% in the Ladbrokes UK Open

  • 7% in the PDC World Cup of Darts

  • 7% in the World Series of Darts

  • 32% in the recent World Grand Prix

These increases underline the sport’s strengthening position within the betting landscape.

Impact of Emerging Talent and Broadcast Deals

A key driver of this rise has been the emergence of new champions, including Luke Littler, who secured his first World Championship title this year. His profile, alongside other rising talents, has attracted wider attention to the sport. At the same time, two major UK broadcast agreements have expanded darts’ reach: Sky Sports’ £125 million contract extension through 2030 and ITV’s new three-year deal running to 2028. Both ensure that darts remains widely available across premium and free-to-air platforms.

Commenting on the sport’s transformation, Stella David, CEO of Entain, said:

“The Littler Effect, other rising stars like Beau Greaves, and greater accessibility have transformed darts into a global phenomenon – and our sportsbook data proves it. Viewership has surged and betting engagement mirrors this. As a huge fan myself, it’s great to see what was once a niche sport, now driving some of the fastest growth in the industry.”

What Customers Bet On

Entain’s data highlights several popular betting patterns. Many customers choose match-winner accumulators, while others place multiple bets on who will record the most 180s. Single bettors often explore less predictable options such as King or Queen of the Oche, where wagers are placed at a set price on a player to win. Bets involving “The Nuke” remain in high demand, including markets on him hitting a 170 finish or achieving a 9-darter.