World Darts Championship Betting
The PDC World Championship is the biggest event in darts — staged at Alexandra Palace over the festive season and the one tournament that pulls in even casual South African fans. Here is how it is played and how to bet it.
The Ally Pally showpiece and its format
Played at London's Alexandra Palace — the famous 'Ally Pally' — from mid-December into early January, the World Championship runs a field of 128 players down to one champion. It is contested in a set-play format, where a set is won by taking three legs, and matches grow longer through the rounds up to a best-of-13-sets final. The winner lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy, named for the much-loved commentator. Because it lands over the holidays in UK prime time, it plays out through the SAST evening — ideal local viewing and betting hours.
How to bet the World Championship
The headline is the outright winner — one player to win the title, priced before the tournament and shortening as the bracket clears. On each match you have the match winner, correct score in sets for bigger odds, and props like most 180s and highest checkout. The set format also makes set betting and correct score central here, and the long matches suit in-play betting. For the full market list see the how to bet on darts guide, and the darts betting guide for the wider calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Where and when is the World Darts Championship held?
At Alexandra Palace in London, from mid-December into early January. It is the climax of the darts year and falls in UK prime time, which is the SAST evening here.
What trophy does the World Championship winner get?
The Sid Waddell Trophy, named after the late commentator. The final is a best-of-13 sets, so the champion is the first to reach seven sets.