The Big 180 Campaign

Paddy Power has announced that it will not be changing the dartboard for the upcoming World Darts Championship. Instead, the bookmaker will be donating around £1 million to Prostate Cancer UK as part of their Big 180 Campaign. The final amount donated will be determined by the performance of the players at the tournament.

The Controversial Dartboard

Initially, Paddy Power planned to change the dartboard by using a custom green treble 20 bed. This caused major controversy in the darts world. The bookmaker's statement claimed that the color green, being in the center of the visual spectrum, could potentially lead to more 180s. However, their real reason was to grab the attention of the darting community.

The Big 180 Campaign

In a joint statement with the Professional Darts Corporation and Prostate Cancer UK, Paddy Power revealed their Big 180 Campaign. As part of this campaign, the bookmaker will donate £1,000 for every 180 hit during the tournament. With 901 maximums achieved in last year's tournament, Paddy Power is hoping to break that record and donate a transformative amount to Prostate Cancer UK.

Aim to Raise Awareness

Paddy Power and the PDC are also challenging fans, followers, and customers to use the online risk checker on Prostate Cancer UK's website. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage early detection of prostate cancer. The bookmaker has apologized for any stress caused to the professional players and hopes that their campaign will help save lives.

Support from Dart Players

Professional dart players, including two-time champion Peter Wright and former champion Dennis Priestley, have shown their support for the Big 180 Campaign. Wright emphasized the importance of knowing the risk of prostate cancer, while Priestley, who was treated for prostate cancer in 2007, highlighted the significance of early diagnosis.

Special Evening of Darts

HOAR, in partnership with Paddy Power, is hosting a special evening of darts on December 5, where fans can look ahead to the World Championship. The panel will feature 16-time world champion Phil Taylor, along with other notable players. Sun readers can attend the event for just £5 at the News Building in London Bridge.

Gamble Responsibly

Paddy Power reminds its customers to gamble responsibly. This includes establishing limits, only gambling with affordable money, and not chasing losses. For help with a gambling problem, individuals can contact the National Gambling Helpline or visit the Gamstop website to be excluded from UK-regulated gambling websites.