Entain, the global sports betting and gaming group behind major brands such as Ladbrokes and Coral, has reported a substantial increase in betting activity surrounding professional darts.
According to data released by the London-listed operator, wagering on the sport via its online sportsbook platforms has risen by 37 percent since 2018.
This upward trajectory signals a major shift for professional darts, transitioning it from a niche interest into a significant driver of sportsbook volume.
The growth is most visible during the sport’s marquee events. Entain revealed that the number of wagers placed on the PDC World Darts Championship, the flagship tournament of the calendar, has skyrocketed by 92 percent, with total stakes increasing by 59 percent.
This momentum is not isolated to a single event; year-on-year betting volumes have also risen for other key competitions, including the BetMGM Premier League, which saw a 22 percent uplift, and the Ladbrokes UK Open, which surged by 41 percent.
The recent World Grand Prix also recorded a 32 percent increase in betting activity compared to the previous year.
Entain attributes much of this explosive growth to the “Littler Effect,” referring to the teenage sensation Luke Littler, whose meteoric rise has captivated global audiences.
Alongside other emerging talents like Beau Greaves, these players have catalyzed a new wave of interest in the sport, expanding its demographic reach and viewership.
The operator noted that the increased accessibility of the sport through televised broadcasts and streaming has further fueled engagement, creating a feedback loop where higher viewership translates directly into heightened betting activity across its platforms.
Stella David, CEO of Entain:
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.
