Simple and speedy, the match winner market is the easiest and most common way to bet on darts: just pick the player you think will win.
When it comes to bet placement, that’s all there is to it – but this guide explains what a match winner darts bet is and how it works, while answering all your burning questions. Game on.
What’s a Match Winner Darts Bet and How Does It Work?
What is a match winner darts bet? Simply put, it’s a wager on a player to win a specific match. Unlike more complex darts betting markets such as handicap bets, the match winner market is about one thing and one thing only: the final result.
Player prices will usually be set by bookmakers according to darts rankings and recent form. However, more often than not, the highest-ranked player will go off as favourite, which can give you an edge when you dive deeper.
Here’s how the match winner bet works in principle with some easy-to-understand odds.
- Player A: 1.50 (odds-on favourite)
- Player B: 3.00 (outsider)
If you back Player A at odds of 1.50 with a £10 stake and they win, your potential return would be £15. If you back Player B at 3.0 with £10, your winning return would be £30. Multiply your stake by the odds and that’s your return. Simples.
Prefer fractional odds? Those prices would be 1/2 and 2/1, with the same returns.
And that’s it. No need to worry about sets, legs or 180s. The match winner bet is the perfect market for darts betting beginners.
Match Winner Darts Examples
You’ve probably got your head around that already, but it won’t do any harm to look at a few real-life examples. So here’s some hypothetical clashes to show you more match winner darts market scenarios.
Example 1: Premier League Darts
Two of the sport’s best go head-to-head, with legendary Dutchman Michael van Gerwen taking on in-form fan favourite Stephen Bunting. Bookies favour Mighty Mike, but Bunting could take the glory.
Michael van Gerwen (1.40 odds) vs Stephen Bunting (3.00 odds)
- Bet £20 on Van Gerwen to win and he delivers, you’ll receive £28 back
- If Bunting proves Bulletproof on the big stage, your £20 stake returns £60
Example 2: PDC World Darts Championship Round 1
Here, we pit one of the top seeds against an unranked qualifier. You’ll notice a far greater difference between the odds due to the likelihood of the proven player advancing.
Gerwyn Price (1.10) vs Qualifier (7.50)
- A £50 bet on Price would return just £55, including your original stake. Small profit, but a big chance of success. Matches like this are perfect for accumulators… Read on for more info!
- Fancy a shock? A smaller stake – let’s say £10 – on an underdog upset would return a tidy £75
Example 3: World Matchplay Final
The two best darts players in the world and the bookmakers can’t separate them.
Luke Littler (1.90) vs Luke Humphries (1.90)
Here, the match is considered 50/50. A coin flip. A pick ‘em. Whatever you wanna call it!
A £20 bet for either player will just about double your stake to £38 if your pick wins. If you’re wondering why the odds aren’t both 2.0 (Evens), it’s because the bookmakers need to leave some room to make profit!
In a match like this, DartsTips.com’s expert analysis of form and head-to-head records can make a real difference. We’ve got you.
When to Use Match Winner Darts Bets
The match winner market works across every competition, because – well, every match has a winner. From the PDC Worlds, to the Premier League, to the World Cup of Darts. But when’s the best time to use it?
Early Tournament Rounds
In the early rounds of most major tournaments, higher-ranked players will be seeded and therefore face lower-ranked players and inexperienced qualifiers. A match winner darts bet on the favourite won’t bring big wins, but it’s by far the most likely.
Evenly Matched Contests
Like the Littler and Humphries scenario we used earlier, two players who are evenly priced can lead to great rewards with a bit of in-depth analysis. Recent form, head-to-head records and crowd support can all make a difference. Find that edge, find a winner, find the profit!
Live/In-Play Betting
Not many sports have momentum swings like darts. A favourite can start slowly and see their odds drift to a more favourable price in-play. In the 2025 World Matchplay, Luke Littler trailed 5-0 in the semi-final and final – but went on to win.
Pre-match, Littler was short-priced favourite against both Josh Rock and James Wade, but if you saw the potential for an in-game turnaround, you’d have got better odds and bigger wins on the match winner market!
Accumulator (Acca)
We told you to read on! Accumulators are a super popular way of turning a bunch of short-priced favourites into an attractive bet with much bigger returns.
It’s easy to do on all betting apps, with most bookmakers offering a long list where you can just tap the odds and watch your picks stack up. Look out for acca bonuses too, with some bookies offering extra returns with every pick you add.
DartsTips.com will let you know all the best offers!
FAQs: Match Winner Darts Market
Q. What is a Match Winner darts bet?
The match winner bet is simply a wager on which player will win a match. You’re not betting on legs, sets or stats… just the eventual winner. In terms of bet placement and tracking the bet, it couldn’t be easier.
Q. Is the Match Winner market good for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, it’s the perfect way to start. Easy to place, easy to understand and easy to follow in-game, the match winner market should be the first stop for new (and regular) bettors.
Q. Can I use Match Winner darts bets in accumulators?
Yes, yes and YES. Combining multiple favourites into one bet is the best way to boost returns. All selections must win – so risk increases with every extra pick, but look out for bonus boosts and/or acca insurance with certain bookmakers. DartsTips.com will keep you informed!
Q. Do Match Winner bets include extra legs or sudden death?
Yes. Barring any exceptional conditions or unless stated elsewhere, the match winner bet will be settled in favour of the match winner, regardless of how many extra legs are played.
