Darts and darts betting has undergone a massive renaissance in the past few years. A sport that was once played in cramped and smoky venues, now attracts thousands of spectators to huge arenas and can boast of a ‘feelgood’ atmosphere that few other sports can match. Tickets for live darts sell out fast, while the sport vibrant television coverage attracts big audiences. Put simply – darts is now big business.

The two main events in the year are the two world championships. Darts’ main governing body was once the BDO, but the top players then created their own breakaway organisation called the PDC.

It was the PDC’s showbiz style that made the darts the popular force that it is today and now the PDC and the BDO world championships co-exist and enjoy a fierce rivalry.

SKY’s glitzy TV coverage provides the home of Premier League darts where the eight top players contest a league format. The top four from this league then play in knockout semi-finals, before the tournament culminates with the grand final. This top quality action produces some close and exciting games with numerous betting angles, played out before packed audiences across the country.

There are also plenty of other tournaments throughout the year, some in exotic locations like Las Vegas. One such tournament is the toteport Players Championship. The competition sees the top 32 players in the 2009 Players Championship Order of Merit, going head-to-head, with live television coverage on ITV.

Singles betting on match odds is the mainstay of the darts betting market, but few fans can resist stringing together their favourites in doubles, trebles and accumulators as the games come thick and fast – with anything from three to eight matches played in a session.

There are plenty of other opportunities available via handicap and leg or set betting, for individual matches. In the major tournaments there will also be prices for eventualities such as a player having the magical nine dart finish, a bet which gives you an interest for the whole tournament.

Having a bet on the darts is just another way to add an element of fun to one of the most enjoyable spectator sports around. Don’t forget to check out all our latest darts odds at totesport.com.