Mastered the Match Winner bet? Handicap betting is where things really get interesting.
Instead of just backing the winner, you’re now betting with headstarts (or deficits) added into the equation. A literal leveller, increasing odds, value and betting opportunities.
What’s a Darts Handicap Bet and How Does It Work?
In darts handicap betting, one player is effectively given a virtual advantage (or disadvantage!) before the match gets under way. The bookmakers set the “line” and that handicap is then applied to the final score. Your bet will settle based on that virtual score.
Here’s a quick example:
- If one player is favoured to win, the bookies could give them a –2.5 legs handicap. That means they need to win the match by 3 legs to “cover”.
- Flip that around and if you back the underdog at +2.5 legs, they can either win outright or lose by fewer than 3 legs for you to be a winner.
Darts Handicap Betting Examples
Simple, right? We think so – but let’s use a few hypothetical examples to demonstrate further. Virtual clashes, here we go!
Example 1: Premier League Darts
Two of the sport’s best go head-to-head, with Luke Littler taking on Luke Humphries. Bookies favour the teenager, giving the Littler a -2.5 leg handicap.
In this scenario, we’re gonna back the favourite: Luke Littler.
Luke Littler (-2.5 legs, 1.90 odds) vs Luke Humphries (+2.5 legs, 1.90 odds)
- Bet £20 on Littler and if he wins 10-7, you’ll win your bet and get £28 back – as the handicap applied gives Littler 7.5, and Humphries 7.
- Bet £20 on Littler and if he wins 10-8, your bet will be settled as a loser, with Littler’s 7.5 falling short of Humphries’ virtual 8.
Example 2: PDC World Darts Championship Round 1
Next stop, the PDC Worlds and a qualifier goes head-to-head with the Iceman, Gerwyn Price. This tournament is in a set format – so the handicap is adjusted accordingly.
With Price expected to advance comfortably, the underdog is given a much bigger handicap. That means less margin of error for the seeded player, and in this scenario we’re backing the outsider.
Gerwyn Price (-2.5 sets, 1.90) vs Qualifier (+2.5 sets, 1.90)
- Bet £50 bet on the Qualifier and if he loses 3-1, you’ll scoop a £95 as a WINNER. Add those 2.5 sets on to the score and the qualifier takes it, by 3.5 sets to 3.
- But if you bet £50 on the Qualifier and Price turns on the style to win 3-0, you’ll lose your bet – due to the virtual score finishing 3 to Price and 2.5 to the Qualifier.
When to use Handicap Betting in Darts
The darts handicap market works across every competition, regardless of whether the tournament is in leg or set format. From the PDC Worlds, to the Premier League, to the World Cup of Darts, it’ll be there. But when’s the best time to use it?
Heavy favourites in Sets Format
In leg formats, it’s not all that common to see underdogs pick up momentum and gain a couple of legs against a slow-starting or complacent opponent. In set format, it’s much harder for an underdog to make an impact.
Look out for favourites to cover the handicap, especially early on in tournaments. Backing Littler, Humphries and Price all to win 3-0 against unseeded qualifiers, for example, will bring a much healthier return than just putting them in a win treble.
Back underdogs in Legs Format
As discussed above, there’s a real opportunity to take advantage in tournaments like the World Matchplay. A favourite can start slowly and see a big handicap (literally) thrown away in a flash.
In the 2025 World Matchplay, Luke Littler trailed 5-0 in the semi-final and final – it just goes to show how a slow start or a bit of momentum can give the underdog a great shot at covering the handicap.
Accumulator (Acca)
Again, we mentioned it earlier – but handicap betting accumulators are a great way to rack up big odds. The handicap will usually give the favourite odds around 1.90 or 1.95, so if you back three or four of these, your returns will be massive compared to a win-only acca.
Accas are easy to do on all betting apps, with most bookmakers offering a long list where you can just tap the handicap odds and watch your picks stack up. Look out for acca bonuses too, with some bookies offering extra returns with every selection you add.
DartsTips.com will let you know all the best offers!
FAQs: Darts Handicap Betting
Q. What is a Darts Handicap bet?
A. A handicap bet is where one player receives a virtual headstart or deficit before the match, set by the bookies. This doesn’t affect the real scoreboard but it does affect how your bet is settled. Handicaps level the playing field in matches where there’s a clear favourite, adding interest and value to darts betting.
Q. Why should I use Handicap Betting?
A. Handicap betting gives you better value, and that’s what we love! If you bet on a heavy favourite in a match winner market, it could be at odds of 1.10, meaning a big stake is needed for little return. Apply the handicap and the same player will have odds nearer 2.0, almost doubling your money if they win. It also gives you a chance to back an underdog. Even if they don’t win, you might be able to upset the odds with a handicap success.
Q. Are Handicap Bets good for beginners?
A. Yes, although they’re slightly more complex than match winner bets. If you’re new to darts betting, start with match winners first, then move to handicaps once you’ve seen them in action.
Q. Do handicaps apply to legs or sets?
A. Both – so keep an eye on this when placing your darts handicap bets. In our opinion, the set format is a great opportunity to get behind a dominant favourite, while a leg format might be better to back the underdog in the hope of a slow start or complacency from a top player.
Q. Do Handicap bets include extra legs or sudden death?
A. Yes. Barring any exceptional conditions or unless stated elsewhere, the handicap bet will be settled according to the original handicaps, regardless of how many extra legs are played.
