**Bookies Hand Over £150,000 in Gold Darts after Record Nine-Dart Finishes – and Celebrate the Loss**
The 2025 PDC Premier League Darts season has turned out to be both a thrilling spectacle for fans and an unexpected windfall for its top players, with Gerwyn Price among the notable beneficiaries. Yet, the staggering £150,000 payout from title sponsor BetMGM has left the bookmakers anything but regretful—in fact, they’re embracing the outcome as a triumph for both their brand and the sport.
This unique bounty stemmed from BetMGM’s bold promotional move: placing an 18-carat gold dart set, valued at £30,000, as a reward for any player who achieved a nine-dart finish throughout the 17-week competition. It was intended as a rare incentive, reflecting the difficulty of a perfect leg in professional darts. However, this season’s contest proved exceptional, with five nine-dart finishes recorded—two of which came from Welshman Gerwyn Price, earning him a dazzling pair of golden arrows.
The excitement began in Brighton during Night 5 when Luke Humphries made headlines by hitting nine flawless darts against Rob Cross. In a remarkable twist, that same evening Rob Cross responded in kind, achieving his own nine-darter against Nathan Aspinall. Two perfect games in one night set the tone for an extraordinary run of precision.
Cardiff fans then witnessed a historic moment as teenage sensation Luke Littler replicated the feat, landing a nine-dart finish in a high-profile rematch with Michael van Gerwen. Later, Littler himself became the target of perfection when Gerwyn Price fired home nine perfect darts in Manchester. Price concluded the saga with his second nine-darter during Night 15 in Aberdeen, further bolstering his growing legend on the oche.
For BetMGM, the total payout for the five golden dart sets stood at a substantial £150,000. Rather than dwelling on the financial hit, the company’s brand director, Dan Towse, hailed the campaign as a massive victory for BetMGM’s profile and the growth of the sport. “Sponsoring the BetMGM Premier League has been a real success for us as a brand,” Towse asserted. He noted impressive increases in viewership figures, with Finals Night at the O2 drawing the largest-ever UK darts crowd—evidence that the sport’s popularity continues to surge.
Towse also pointed out the unique atmosphere that the nine-dart incentive created, not only for the players but for the fans and sponsors alike. “Nine-darters are incredible moments for players, fans, and for us at BetMGM. The TV coverage, replays, and social media buzz help the brand break through the noise,” Towse explained. “We wanted to elevate that feeling by offering something extraordinary, rewarding players for an achievement that’s still far from everyday.”
The players’ response, according to Towse, was overwhelmingly positive. “Some have already asked if there’ll be a repeat next year, which goes to show how much the campaign resonated with the professionals.” He admitted that nobody expected two nine-darters to occur on the same night in Brighton, describing the experience as “incredible to witness first-hand”.
BetMGM’s partnership with the PDC, which began with the 2024 Premier League, was marked with eye-catching gestures such as the installation of 12-foot golden dart statues in Cardiff. Their ongoing commitment, despite the generous gold payouts, signals a mutually beneficial relationship poised to continue—and perhaps even intensify—in future seasons.
Looking ahead, Towse believes the sport’s global expansion is inevitable, especially with the emergence of youthful talents like Luke Littler fuelling fresh interest among new audiences. “Darts has truly become a global game, with new tournaments in ever more regions each year,” Towse concluded. “For us personally, it’s been inspiring to see such positive growth year-on-year. As we approach 2026, we are eager to continue this journey.”
As the Premier League inspires the next generation and elevates its status as a fan-favourite sport, the collaboration between BetMGM and the PDC highlights how creative sponsorships can enhance the spectacle for all involved — even if, now and again, it means leaving a trail of gold in its wake.