More than half of Brits don’t consider darts to be a sport, research has revealed. A survey of 2,000 adults has revealed that a significant 56% reckon it’s not in the same league as other sports due to the minimal physical workout (29%) and its closer ties with pub fun than serious competition (27%).
A third oppose Darts being included in the Olympic games, with a four in ten labelling it merely ‘a game’. Similarly, many felt the same about considering axe throwing and snooker as ‘true’ sports. For 41% they went as far as to say they believe it’s ‘controversial’ to consider it a sport – alongside poker and chess.
TV presenter and darts enthusiast Bobby Seagull has argued that underestimating darts is a mistake, as it shares many of the same core elements that define high-level competition.
While darts players may not resemble typical elite athletes like footballers or swimmers, Seagull emphasized their “unbelievable concentration,” relentless dedication to refining their technique, and mastery of mental maths that most people would struggle to match.
Bobby, teaming up with Lottoland who conducted the research to launch their PDC World Darts Championship slots game, said: “Darts may still carry the image of being a casual pub game, [but] that perception overlooks the sheer level of commitment required to reach the top.”
In a passionate close, he pointed out: “What really struck me was meeting the British public and seeing just how passionate and supportive so many people are about darts.”
The study also revealed that while a whopping 77% of Brits have had a go at darts, a mere 3% rate their skills as ‘excellent’. In contrast, 40% reckon they’re ‘average’ and 11% confess to being downright ‘terrible’.
Among the regular dart throwers, 30% acknowledge their aim could do with some sharpening, and 19% are keen to work on their consistency.
The spokesperson for Lottoland said: “Darts started as a pub game, which could be why people have this perception, but a lot has changed in the last 10 years.
“It has been racking up some unexpected fans since Luke Littler burst onto the scene in 2023 and since then, it has encouraged thousands to have a go and follow in his footsteps.
“Even though so many still don’t consider darts a proper sport, it’s interesting to see how the nation lacks the skills that professional players have.
“It’s incredibly hard to be accurate and consistent on a darts board, so it’s reassuring that even though many people don’t think it’s a sport, it still has the mental focus needed for more of a physical sport, like football.”
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