Darts betting
Punters having a bet on darts rarely fail to take account of Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor. The man from the Potteries has been credited with making darts betting popular – and with good reason.
Online bookmakers in particular have benefited from his playing style and absolute domination of the game: “Betting on darts has become an important aspect of the game,” says one online bookmaker. “People enjoy taking him on and whenever he plays, our darts betting market can match those in rugby or tennis in terms of punters’ predictions.”
Nor is the ‘Taylor Effect’ simply a UK phenomenon. Darts betting odds are studied across the globe, especially in Asia, where demand for darts betting tips is as high as anywhere in the world. Nevertheless, Taylor’s supremacy ensures that most darts bets invariably take account of his name as in the majority of contests, he’s likely to be the favourite.
As darts’ UK Premier League readies itself for its annual play-off semi finals and final at Wembley Arena on 23 May, Taylor is currently undefeated in thirteen matches and priced at 1/4 to bag the league crown. Predictions that he was starting to lose his touch have proved unfounded, much to the relief of punters whose darts betting is based upon supporting ‘The Power’.
“Backing Phil Taylor is the most logical form of darts bet,” suggests one darts regular. “If you’re betting on darts, he’s the man you must be constantly aware of, even if you’re prepared to take an online bookmaker on and bet against him.”
Indeed, as the darts betting market has expanded, so newcomers to internet betting, often attracted by the prospect of enjoying a free bet, have little hesitation supporting Taylor. He is darts’ equivalent of Rangers or Manchester United because he rarely loses.
Online bookmakers acknowledge that darts betting odds are determined by whether Taylor is playing in a tournament: “Undoubtedly, markets are governed by Phil,” claims one. “Not only will more darts bets be staked if he’s playing, but as he continually raises the game’s profile, so internet firms are content to pepper their offerings with a succession of free bets.”
The increasing propensity of punters to bet on darts shows little sign of waning and any predictor of near-term darts trends would be foolish to ignore the ongoing influence of Phil Taylor. For several years, darts betting and the increased demand for darts betting tips and associated free bets has been driven by the man who has successfully taken the game to an altogether new level. Meanwhile, there’s little sign he’s contemplating retirement anytime soon.
Provided he continues to enjoy good health and his propensity to be startlingly accurate, Phil Taylor promises to be around for a while yet – which is great news for those who enjoy having a bet on darts.