Dutch Darts Masters enjoys successful edition but faces uncertain future on World Series of Darts calendar

The second edition of the Dutch Darts Masters as a World Series tournament proved to be another hit. Title sponsor TOTO left nothing to chance and made sure that both the fans and the players were pampered.

However, it is uncertain whether the tournament still has a future in the Netherlands. There was a two-year contract, with the option for a third edition. Regulations regarding sponsorship on behalf of betting companies are going to change in July 2025. Then it will no longer be allowed to advertise online gambling companies through sports.

''This is the last year with TOTO as namesake,'' said Rik van Aalst on behalf of TOTO to AD.nl. ''There is still an option for next year, but for that we have to sit down with all parties after this edition."

The will is certainly not lacking. The darters are eager to come to Den Bosch, and the municipality and the PDC darts association would also like to see a continuation of this event. Matt Porter, general director of the PDC, realizes, however, that it will be difficult to make that happen.

According to Porter, that probability does not exceed 50 percent. ''That's a fair answer. We need a new strong partner with the demise of TOTO, and we're in a really tough world. It would be a mortal sin to lose this event, but the opportunity is there," Porter said. ''Between Easter and summer we want clarity.''

Michael van Gerwen would find it a huge shame if the tournament in Den Bosch disappears from the calendar. ''The last time? I assume so. These regulations in the Netherlands, it makes you crazy, doesn't it? I know what TOTO puts into this, it won't be easy to find someone else for it. What a shame. On the other hand: you should not get overkill in terms of tournaments. Enough is enough. I think this is the limit, but with this tournament. Anyway, I have no influence on that."