Darts Walkover Explained: What It Means & When It Happens
Ever come across the term “walkover” while following darts but weren’t quite sure what it meant? You’re not alone, and it’s a topic that comes up more often than you might expect.
A walkover can affect tournament draws, player records, and how certain markets are settled. Knowing what it mean may help you follow results and understand why a bracket moves the way it does.
Below, you’ll find what a walkover is, when it happens, how it’s recorded, and what it means in professional events. Read on to learn more.
What a Walkover Means in Darts
A walkover in darts occurs when one player cannot play a scheduled match, typically due to illness, injury, or other personal reasons. In such cases, the opponent is awarded the win without a dart being thrown.
The official scoreline may show a standard result for administrative purposes, but no play takes place. The tournament proceeds as normal, with the remaining player advancing to the next round.
How a walkover is recorded can vary between competitions, and bookmakers may settle affected markets differently. It might be helpful to check a site’s rules before betting on a match where a withdrawal is possible.
If you do decide to try your hand at darts betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
When Does a Walkover Happen in Darts?
A walkover takes place if a player cannot show up or is unable to start on the match day. Common reasons include illness, personal emergencies, missed travel connections, or disqualification for breaking the rules.
You tend to see this more in earlier rounds, where schedules are tight and fields are larger. If a player pulls out before a dart is thrown, the opponent is usually handed a walkover into the next round. Some events only class it as a walkover if play never starts; if a match begins and a player cannot continue, it may be recorded as a retirement or a default with a set score instead.
For betting, many operators void markets if no darts are thrown, while others set out specific settlement rules. Checking those terms in advance could remove any uncertainty.
Does a Walkover Count as a Win in Darts?
Yes. In darts, a walkover is recorded as a win for the player who is ready to play. Even though no darts are thrown, the advancing player gets the result on record and moves to the next round.
Tournament records and statistics usually treat a walkover the same as any other match win for progression, ranking points and prize allocation, unless the event rules say otherwise. Where betting is concerned, settlement follows the operator’s published rules mentioned earlier.
Walkover Rules in Professional Darts Events
In professional darts, walkover rules are set by the tournament organisers. If a player cannot attend or is unable to start, the match is awarded to the opponent and logged as a win for the player who remains.
Rulebooks for events such as those run by the PDC and the BDO include walkovers as valid outcomes. For the bracket to stay consistent, a standard scoreline that matches the format may be recorded. In group stages, organisers often also assign points and leg difference so the table remains fair.
Prize money, rankings and seedings can all be affected by a walkover, depending on the competition’s rules. At televised or larger events, the decision is announced officially and added to the records so players and fans know exactly where the event stands.
Can a Player Appeal a Walkover Decision?
In professional events, players can sometimes appeal a walkover if they believe it is unfair or incorrect. The process depends on the organiser’s rules, but it usually involves making a written case within a short time after the decision, supported by evidence such as medical notes or details of travel disruption.
An appointed official, committee or panel reviews the information and issues a ruling. In practice, overturns are rare, and once the review is complete, the decision is usually final. Where wagering is involved, bookmakers update their settlement in line with the final official result.
Bet On Sports Online
If you’re curious about placing a sports bet online, Bet442 offers a straightforward way to explore markets on darts, football, tennis and more. The site is easy to navigate, with clear information on odds and bet types so you can make choices that suit your preferences.
All betting at Bet442 is carried out under a licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The site sets out how results are settled, including less common outcomes like walkovers, so you can see how things work before you place a bet.
You can browse upcoming fixtures, compare prices and use account tools to set limits that fit your preferences and budget. If you want to see the latest darts markets and follow events with a clearer view of how walkovers are handled, feel free to take a look at what Bet442 has to offer. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.