What is Bullseye Darts? Bullseye Darts Explained in 2 minutes
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
31/03/2021
The bullseye is probably one of the most recognisable parts of darts. In the middle of the board, worth either 25 or 50 points, it can take a skilled hand to hit it. It plays a key role in some tense moments, and in darts betting markets, many feature the bullseye being hit.
In this guide we will outline how it works in gameplay with the betting markets and how these markets are set up. We will run through some real life scenarios and also detail where you can find these markets at some top sportsbooks.
Bullseye in Darts Explained
The bullseye is the centre target on a dart board and is split into two values with the inner bullseye worth 50 points and the outer bullseye worth 25 points.
Hitting the inner bullseye or hitting a double on the board are the only two ways in which a frame of 501 or 301 darts under the traditional rules of the game can be won.
Landing the inner bullseye combined with a pair of treble 20s equates to a score of 170 and is the highest possible checkout in a frame of darts.
Hitting the inner bull is one of the showpiece achievements in the sport of darts and in the amateur circuits hitting 50-points is known as a double-bullseye.
Real life examples of Bullseye Betting
In reality, there are a few ways which Bullseye betting can work, so to clear up some confusion here are a few real life scenarios.
For example, in game between Michael Van Gerwen and Gary Anderson, the number of bullseyes market would reflect that of an over/under goals market in football. This means you could bet on a total amount of possible bullseyes scored in the game.
In the match there was a total of 4 bulleyes hit. With the Over/Under market being 2.5, if you were to back over your bet would win as the total was higher.
Other betting markets you will tend to see are Yes/No markets, such as “Will the match include a bullseye finish?”, in which case you need to predict if it will.
You may also find specific markets too such as "Will X player score at least 1 bullseye" and the match to finish on a bullseye. These are less predictable than the others but add a bit of variety.
Bullseye Darts Betting Strategies
Player Finishing Style
Like with any sport each player has a certain style to things, some players are more willing to aim for the bull and looking at past matches can help you pick out who they are.
Understand Over/Under Lines
Bullseye markets are often set as totals, so treat them like any other over/under bet. Think about how many legs are likely to be played and whether the line feels realistic.
Focus on High-Level Matches
Those higher level matches will likely have more precise players, which can ever so slightly increase the chance of a bullseye being hit.
Consider the Match Format
Longer formats mean more legs, which creates more opportunities for bullseyes to happen.
Be realistic
Bullseyes don’t happen often, so keep your expectations realistic. Many players have their own strategies which may not even need the bull.
Did you know…
Winning a frame of darts by landing the bullseye can be viewed as showboating by some players and deemed poor etiquette despite being a perfectly legal way to win.
Is Bullseye Darts Betting Available at Popular US Sportsbooks?
If you are looking for a place to find some Bullseye darts betting then look no further as it is available at a whole host of major US sportsbooks. In most cases you will usually see these options around big events and tournaments like the PDC World Championship.
Big brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365 and BetMGM have a few bullseye selections which crop up around those bigger events. They are not a standalone option but you can find them under bet builders and match specials.
Other operators like FanDuel also have bullseye options from time to time and again, these are reserved for those larger events instead of a match-by-match basis.
To check if its available, select your sportsbook and have a look through the specials options, player props, and match stats, as this is where you will usually find them. It is worth checking a few sportsbooks out from the options above to see what is currently available.
Are Bullseye Darts Bets Available for Live Betting
Live betting is very common when it comes to darts tournaments for markets such as next legs and total 180s as the match unfolds. But when it comes to bullseye betting, it is a little bit more limited.
In a majority of places bullseye markets are considered “specials” and are usually offered before the match starts rather than during live play. Think how fast a game of darts moves, this makes tracking specific outcomes like bullseyes in real time is harder for bookmakers to price consistently.
While it is not a no, it is not always a yes. You will typically be able to find checkout related markets and total bullseye lines being updated live. While it is not always the case, keep an eye out during big events for live betting options and take a look at the sportsbooks mentioned above for their line ups.
Similar Darts Bets to Bullseye
So if you enjoy bullseye bets, what else is out there? Well, luckily, when it comes to darts, there are plenty of other similar options with tracking outcomes and patterns. Check out the suggestions below:
Highest Checkout
Predict the highest finishing score achieved in a match.
First Leg Winning Checkout
Focuses on how the first leg ends, including whether a high-value or bull finish is used.
First Dart Treble 20
A precision-based market looking at whether the first dart hits treble 20.
First Dart of the Match
Looks at where the opening throw lands, often tied to accuracy-based betting.
Is Bullseye Darts betting worth it?
The bullseye plays a key role in darts but is not always the front and centre of every sports betting platform. When it comes to betting, the markets tend to focus on totals, finishes, and player specific outcomes. They are not always available for each match but you are more likely to find options during big tournaments.
These bets can be easy to follow and the more you understand when it comes to the sports and players, the more you can develop your own approach. You can check out Bullseye betting options at the platforms mentioned earlier and follow them along to see when the options pop up.
