How popular are darts in the USA?

Darts is a game we’ve all heard of before. Whether you’ve stumbled into a bar with a darts board or watched a professional tournament, there are many ways to embrace this skilled sport. Darts have been popular for decades, but how popular is this sport in the USA?

In this article, we’re investigating the popularity of darts in the USA, where you can get involved and the future of darts. So, if you’re intrigued about this unique sport, keep reading to find out more.

Where can you play darts in the USA?

Before we jump into the popularity of darts, we’ll quickly discuss where you can get involved in the USA.

Amateur players and beginners are in luck!

Dartboards are a staple in most sports bars and neighborhood bars across the country. If you’re looking for an informal place to practice your skills, take a trip to your local watering hole. From Kansas to New York, there are many dart boards to discover.

Darts fans enjoy both playing and watching the sport. A popular pastime for many is betting on professional darts, which brings you closer to the sport. Don’t forget to check out the best Kansas sports betting sites before you get started though. Free bets are essential!

If you’re not interested in playing darts in a bar, some social clubs also offer darts. This is ideal for casual play in an alcohol-free environment.

The more you practice, the better you’ll get. You’ll also find that there are many like-minded players across the US. In fact, it’s estimated that 17 million residents indulge in this sport regularly.

This is a popular sport for sure. When you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, consider applying to some of the competitive leagues or start watching global competitions.

Competitive darts in the USA

Competitive darts are popular in the UK and Europe, but what about the USA? Can you engage in professional-level play here?

Although there are few American players in the Professional Darts Corporation’s World Rankings, more and more US citizens are enjoying this sport. Plus, there are some US and North America-only leagues you can start following.

Popular American darts organizations include the American Darters Association (ADA), American Darts Organization (ADO) and the National Darts Association (NDA). Compared to the UK and European clubs, these are very new. The ADA has only been around since 1990!

However, don’t discount these organizations simply because they’re new. These clubs have seen impressive traffic in their few decades of activity.

The ADO estimates they have 100,000 total players, with 700 being dedicated to the sport. A further 2,500 players receive national rankings, and both genders are involved with the sport.

Of course, these numbers are a lot lower than in Europe. With less exposure and fewer sponsorships, US darts players aren’t able to play for a living. Most players can earn approximately $350 per month, which is a small cry compared to the thousands earned overseas.

Unless sponsors start taking US players seriously, it’s unlikely we’ll see any major growth in this sport soon.

The origins of darts

Modern darts have been around for over a century. Darts as we know it was created in Lancashire, England, in 1896. However, the origins can be traced back to a military pastime in the 14th century.

Darts were popular in English pubs for years, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that organized competitions appeared. In the 60s, the Professional Darts Council and the British Darts Organization started to hold formal meets where darts players could compete for prizes.

Today, prize pools for professional players can reach up to £500,000. Compared to the measly US prizes, you can see that this sport is much more popular in the UK and Europe.

Due to the sport’s origins in the UK, it’s not surprising that it’s most popular in Europe. This tradition didn’t travel as easily to the USA. Many Americans still think of it as a drinking game, not an organized sport.

Darts are also popular in Japan, New Zealand, Australia and various other locations worldwide. Who doesn’t love this sport?

Will darts continue to be popular?

Though the USA seems to lack a professional darts culture, don’t be fooled into thinking the game isn’t popular.

If you walk into any bar or social club across the country, you’ll notice a group of relaxed players enjoying a spot of darts. The funding and sponsorship might not be present, but the passion certainly is.

The growth of darts is slower than other sports, but it’s there. We’re slowly seeing more prize money, competitions and deals. Plus, the standard of American darts players is increasing every year too! Practice does make perfect.

Online darts competitions are even starting to appear, proving the popularity of the sport. These websites allow players to watch and play virtual games from home. Ideal for a night in the comfort of your own home.

Hopefully, in the future, we’ll see an increase in darts funding in the USA. As in Europe and the UK, there are many players and some spectacular talent. All the country needs is a platform for the competitions to get started.

Make sure you keep an eye on the ADA, ADO and NDA. These organizations are continually pushing to secure funding for darts in the US. With some extra attention and players, these bodies could be holding professional competitions in no time.

If you have a chance, consider placing a sports bet on darts. As with other popular sports, bookies provide odds for darts matches. This is a great way to learn more about the sport while supporting it simultaneously.

Darts will always be part of the US sporting scene, and we predict future growth too.

The takeaway

Are you an American darts fan? Make sure you support your local players by attending competitions and promoting their sport. Darts is popular in the US, and hopefully, these players will soon receive the same funding and support as EU and UK players.

Do you think darts will reach a new level of success in the USA? Keep an eye on the scene to find out.