Eurovision Song Contest 2024: Greece best-backed nation

All 37 countries have declared their entries for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest and Croatia remain favourites at 3/1.

Baby Lasagna’s entry Rim Tim Tagi Dim has seen plenty of support with odds tumbling in recent weeks, but it's Greece who've seen the most support in the market.

bet365’s Steve Freeth said: “Eurovision is an eagerly awaited spectacle for many people and bet365 customers are no different in what remains a hugely popular event.

“Punters were ‘Dizzy’ for the United Kingdom after confirmation that Years and Years singer Olly Alexander was to be their representative. However, their price has drifted considerably from 11/2 out to 35/1 over the last month or so.”

“Croatia are yet to sample Eurovision glory, but if the money is to be believed then they could taste success with Baby Lasagna, whose odds have been slashed from 40/1 into current 3/1 favouritism.

“Italy are annual heavyweights and this year is no exception with Sanremo winner Angelina Mango being backed from 9/1 into 4/1.”

Early favourites Ukraine have been steadily drifting, however. Ever since their first entry in 2003, Ukraine have been popular at Eurovision, with a win in 2004, runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2008 and five more top-10s in the other eight editions prior to 2016.

Their popularity surged, however, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014, with two more wins and two more top-10s in the six most recent contests, but it’s Greece who are attracting the most punters, with 12.6% of all bets taken on Marina Satti.

“The betting can often be a good guide and we’ve already seen plenty of movers for the showpiece with the final taking place in Malmo on May 11th,” said Freeth.

“Marina Satti will be performing for Greece with their price shortening from 40/1 into 16/1 and she’s not on her own in the popularity stakes.”

Croatia are the second-best-backed nation with 9.6%, ahead of the Netherlands (6.6%) and Italy (6.3%).

Freeth added: “With an act in Joost Klein, who delivers high energy and a distinctly unique performance with his Euro banger ‘Europapa’, both casual fans and the committed Eurovision connoisseurs have latched onto the song’s potential with the Netherlands being well supported from 100/1 into 8/1 in what is sure to be one of the standouts in Malmo.”

Liam Williams

• Eurovision 2024
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