Van Gerwen who is in imperious form having claimed another title this past weekend is aiming to reclaim his title having lost out to Phil Taylor last year.
He is at odds of 8/11; Gary Anderson who according to title sponsors BetVictor is second favourite and his nearest rival is at 6/1.
Former champion James Wade is among those at 33/1 odds including Adrian Lewis, Raymond van Barneveld and Daryl Gurney.
The players seen as least likely to be winner come the end of the week include Keegan Brown, Jeffrey de Zwaan and at the longest odds, Richard North at 500/1.
2018 BetVictor World Matchplay Tournament Winner Odds 8/11
Michael van Gerwen 6/1 Gary Anderson
8/1 Rob Cross
10/1 Peter Wright
28/1 Michael Smith
33/1 Adrian Lewis, Daryl Gurney, Mensur Suljovic, Raymond van Barneveld, James Wade
50/1 Dave Chisnall
66/1 Gerwyn Price
100/1 Ian White, Kim Huybrechts, Simon Whitlock
125/1 Joe Cullen, Stephen Bunting
150/1 Darren Webster, Jelle Klaasen, Jonny Clayton, Kyle Anderson
200/1 Jermaine Wattimena, Max Hopp, Mervyn King, Steve Lennon, Steve West
300/1 James Wilson, Jeffrey de Zwaan, John Henderson, Keegan Brown, Steve Beaton
500/1 Richard North
Each-Way 1/2 Odds, 1-2.