Eurovision betting on betfair
Following the semi-finals of this year's Eurovision song contest it is clearer than ever that, in this game at least, it's a case of show-friends and not show-business. A glut of Eastern European nations advanced from Thursday's semi-final into Saturday's main event and the new Eurovision tradition of looking after your friends and neighbours is obviously in rude health. The UK, represented this year by kitsch foursome Scooch, didn't need to qualify from the semi-finals, as they are one of the Big 5 Nations and help fund the annual event. However, the chances that we will be celebrating our first Eurovision victory since Katrina and The Waves won with 'Love Shine a Light' in 1997 are looking increasingly remote. On Betfair, a betting site that allows punters to bet directly against each other, The UK entry 'Flying the Flag' is being offered at odds of 59-1, although the song is being backed for a top 10 showing and has shortened from 5-1 into 3-1 in that market. Commenting was Betfair's Tony Calvin: "It looks like the UK are really up against it this year. Although some high-street betting firms have them as a 25-1 shot, they are 59-1 on Betfair, where it is the punters themselves who set the odds. "Bookies know that they will get patriotic bets for the UK song, and hence they'll keep the odds a bit shorter than they should be. The Betfair odds would probably be a more accurate reflection of our chances of winning.' However, following Thursday's semi-final it looks like Eastern European nations could dominate Saturday evening's finale - and The Ukraine is proving a hugely popular bet with punters. As are 6-1 Serbia. Calvin added: ''The Ukraine are one of the biggest Eurovision gambles of recent years and their price just keeps on shortening-up. They were 20-1 on Betfair not so long ago, and now there are punters queuing up to back them at under 4-1. With a transvestite lead singer, they're certainly sure to prove memorable at least!' ''Belarus and Latvia are also proving popular, with the latter in particular attracting support. They were 66-1 before Thursday's semi-final, and are now only 14-1 on Betfair.'' To Win The Eurovision Song Contest - Betfair odds: 7-2 Ukraine, 6-1 Serbia, 7-1 Belarus, 10-1 Russia, 12-1 Sweden, 14-1 Latvia, 16-1+ others including, 59-1 UK, 84-1 Ireland. Odds are accurate at 3.30pm 11th May