What is Highest Checkout? Highest Checkout Explained in 2 minutes
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
26/06/2026
Want to know what a highest checkout bet is? You should do if you have any interest in betting on darts. Instead of just backing a winner this market looks at which player delivers the highest scoring checkout.
Our guide found that a highest checkout bet is a great way to add some interest to bets on any game of darts. Plus we've found some great bookmakers who'll give you some very competitive odds and bonuses for this fascinating kind of bet as we'll discuss below.
What is a Checkout?
The checkout is the name given to the last three darts a player throws during a game of darts. Every game starts with the score set at 501, and every score a player achieves with three darts is deducted from the total, until it reaches zero. The difference as far as the checkout is concerned is that the final dart has to land on a double. If the remaining amount is 36, for example, the player has to checkout by hitting a double 18.
The standard for almost every professional darts competition involves the players reducing a total of 501 to 0. Players are generally allowed to start from any score with the exception of some events having a “double in” too, the game progresses with a player having to finish the game with either a double or a bullseye.
The total of points the winning player scores with their last visit is called a “Checkout”. The smallest possible checkout is two, that would require the player to hit a double 1. The largest would be a three-dart checkout of 170, this would be achieved by hitting two treble 20s accompanied by a bullseye.
The checkout is the darts equivalent of a touchdown or scoring a goal in soccer. The battle to get there may be the most exciting part of the game, as the total dwindles down for each player with each throw of a dart, but the checkout is the make or break moment that defines the game. With it being such an integral moment, checkouts are a main focus for betting.
The Highest checkout, most 180’s, match treble bet
This is a combined bet on a player to win not only the match, but also to have the highest checkout and most 180’s and is called the ‘highest checkout, most 180s, match treble’. Most betting sites will mark this bet down as a losing one or implement a similar rule to a dead heat if a tie comes about in play. Some betting sites will offer this as a double but it will be dependent on which player wins the match and if they have acquired the highest checkout. The same rules that would stand during a tie would apply in this instance.
How is the Highest Checkout used in Sports Betting?
The scoring system used by darts offer opportunities for many exciting bets over and above simply betting on the match or tournament winner. Some bookmakers will even accept bets on what the first dart of the match will score, and bettors can also attempt to predict what the correct score of the match will be, which player will be the first to score 180 and how many 180s the match will feature in total.
There are several ways of betting on the highest checkout:
- Bet on what you think the highest checkout of the match will be: For a bet like this, the bookmaker will set a figure, such as 157, and bettors decide whether the highest checkout will be above or below this figure.
- Bet on what an individual player’s highest checkout will be: Once again, the bookmaker will set a figure for each player, and bettors have to bet above or below that figure.
- Bet on which player will score a higher checkout during the match: This last bet is slightly less random in nature than the previous two, and relies more upon studying the form of the players as they enter and move through a tournament. In simple terms, whichever of the two players enters the match in the best form is likely to score the highest checkout.
Another statistic worth studying is the percentage of checkout doubles that a player hits. The lower the percentage, the more likely it is that they will have to go chasing the checkout, hitting smaller and smaller doubles.
Real Life Examples of Highest Checkout
We have ran over the different ways of betting on the highest check out, but how does this look in practice? Take a look at the examples below to get a better idea:
| Match | Market | Outcome | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Cross vs Cor Dekker | Over/Under 167.5 | 170 | Any bet over 167.5 in this case would win |
| Gian van Veen vs Gary Anderson | Head to Head | Tie | Usually in this case it results in a dead heat. |
| Luke Littler in Premier Leaugue | Player Highest Checkout (Over/Under 167.5) | 170 | Any bet over 167.5 in this case would win |
Is Highest Checkout Available at Popular US Sportsbooks?
Yes, highest checkout betting is available at many major sportsbooks. While it is not the most common, there are plenty of big brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365 that offer this during major tournaments.
When looking for highest checkout markets, you want to look under is typically grouped under player specials or match specials instead of the main markets. It is also worth taking a look at a few sportsbooks to get the best variety as not all of them host the same events.
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Is Highest Checkout Available for Live Betting
Highest checkout markets may be available for live betting but they are usually offered before the match begins. While most major sportsbooks support in-play darts betting, these tend to focus on fast moving options like next leg winner.
As highest checkout depends on a full match outcome you will find that it is settled over time instead of instantly which means that bookmakers may limit or completely remove the market once the match has started.
Conclusion - Enjoy some highest checkout betting
Our guide has revealed that there is nothing like a highest checkout bet to add some serious interest to a game of darts. With it focusing on the finish it is typically offered as an over/under market, player specific line or a head to head comparison. These are all fairly familiar betting markets for seasoned bettors or newbies.
Plus we've revealed some great online bookmakers where you can try this unique kind of bet. While the availability may differ you will likely see these markets open up during bigger tournaments.
So sign up to one of our recommended betting sites and enjoy betting on darts in a whole new way.
Highest checkout betting FAQ
Which bookmakers let you try highest checkout betting?
Check out our guide to see which betting sites allow you to bet on the highest checkout. Perfect for anyone looking for a different way to bet on darts.
What are the best darts bets?
Don't miss our guide to see if you should try highest checkout betting or stick to other kinds of darts bets. After all, there are lots of different ways that you can bet on this sport.
How does a highest checkout bet work?
Be sure to read our guide to see how highest checkout betting works. The good news is that it's a simple kind of bet and a great way to make your darts entertainment even more dramatic.
