"You feel it won’t be long" - Odds slashed on darts being included in 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games

In France currently, many of the biggest sports stars on the planet are competing in their respective disciplines at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. With darts now arguably the most notable sport not involved the Olympics however, the prospect of the likes of Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen competing for gold could be closer than ever.

PDC President Barry Hearn gave a mixed response when asked about a potential Olympic future for the sport last week. ''The Olympics in its purest form is a wonderful occasion but that has all changed. All the things wrong about sport, you have to give them huge financial incentive to sacrifice their lives for our entertainment. The image of the Olympics like the medal and ceremony keep it alive. Have you ever tried to eat a medal? These guys need cash and the Olympic movement hates that for sure," Hearn told TalkSport. 

Speaking to the Daily Star however, Fairbettingsites.co.uk spokesman Andy Newton the tides could be starting to turn in favour of darts in the Olympics, maybe even as soon as the next games in Los Angeles, USA in four years time. 

"Darts has been back on the up for the last 10 years. And with teenage sensation Luke Littler giving the sport another boost in the last 12 months, you feel it won’t be long before we are seeing some 180’s being called at the Olympics," Newton explains. "With another four years till Los Angeles 2028, I’m expecting darts to continue its appeal across the globe and the 5/1 on offer on players representing their country at the next Olympics looks like a ‘bullseye’ of a price to me."

Many top darters such as Michael Smith, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries have been vocally pro Olympic darts over the last couple of years. Seemingly, their calls may soon be answered!