How to Bet on Eurovision: Tips and Tricks

Ah, Eurovision. It’s camp, crazy, and impossible to predict who might win. Which is why we love it so much! The Eurovision Song Contest is a firm fixture in many people’s viewing schedules. It’s a chance to have some fun with your family or your best mates, at home, with a selection of snacks available while you shout at the TV and groan when your favorite pick gets nil point.

Lots of people tune in for the enjoyment factor of watching some truly atrocious bands enjoy their 15 minutes of fame, but putting money on a band or singer to win makes the event so much more exciting. Which is why, in this article, we have some tips to help you choose a winner. So, dig out your sequins and pink champagne, and read on for some fab advice on betting on the Eurovision Song Contest next year.

Understanding the Competition Format

The first step to betting wisely on Eurovision is understanding the competition format. Eurovision features singers from countries across Europe competing to win the coveted title. There are two semi-finals, where a portion of the competitors perform and viewers vote on who should advance to the Grand Final. The Grand Final features about 25 competitors and combines viewer voting and professional jury scores to determine the winner. Knowing the multiple rounds and voting mechanisms helps inform matchups and betting strategies.

Research the Participants   

With so many countries and performers involved, research is key. Go through each country’s artist and song selection. Listen to studio versions of the songs and watch live rehearsal footage leading up to the shows. Gather information on artists’ backgrounds, experience levels, and vocal abilities. See which performers are garnering buzz and early fan support. This gives you insight into who might advance out of the semi-finals and who has a legitimate chance to win.

The Voting Blocs

Eurovision is known for having unspoken voting blocs, which are groups of countries that tend to give each other higher points during the competition. These blocs emerge based on geographical proximity, cultural similarities, political allies, and more.

Some of the most well-known blocs include:

• Balkan Bloc – Countries like Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and others in the Balkan region often vote for each other.
• Baltic Bloc– Baltic countries like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia tend to exchange points.
• Nordic Bloc – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland have a trend of voting for their Nordic neighbors.
• Former Soviet – Countries that were part of the Soviet Union like Russia, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan frequently vote together.
• Greece and Cyprus – These two countries almost always award each other douze points (maximum points).

How Blocs Impact Betting

These voting blocs are important to consider when betting on Eurovision. Songs that are a bloc favorite may advance further, even if they are weaker performances. Similarly, entries without bloc support can struggle despite quality songs.

Research which blocs a country belongs to so you know their built-in voter bases. Or identify countries that lie outside traditional blocs and have to rely more on broader appeal. Use bloc knowledge to better predict qualifying songs and final vote distributions. Track years when blocs shift support to spot outlier results. Consider betting spreads and over/unders based on bloc voting behavior.

In the end, solid songs still tend to prevail at Eurovision. But factoring in the voting blocs provides additional insight into how fan support and points may be allocated. Use bloc research and betting strategies to make sharper wagers on Eurovision results.

Examine Betting Odds

As you conduct your research, check in frequently on Eurovision betting odds. Early odds are based on speculation, but they become more defined as rehearsals happen and fan reactions roll in. Notice which artists see their odds improve or dip as the shows approach. Use shifting odds to find value bets or spot overrated competitors. Pay close attention to odds right before the semi-finals and final when betting lines are sharpest.

Bet Creatively

While betting on the overall winner is always popular, Eurovision offers plenty of creative betting opportunities. Consider betting on which country will finish last or whether a particular nation will qualify from the semi-finals. Bet on exact finishing positions for your favorite artists. Wager on final vote margins between top contenders or how many points specific countries will exchange. Explore fun props like what color the winning performer’s dress will be. With multiple shows and dozens of participants, the betting possibilities are endless.

Have a Budget

Like any gambling, betting on Eurovision carries risks. Setting a clear budget prevents getting carried away by the excitement around the event. Decide how much you are comfortable wagering before tuning in. Stick to smaller bets during the semi-finals and be selective on bigger wagers for the Grand Final. Remember, this is a fun event for entertainment, not a reliable source of income. Bet responsibly within your means.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Betting on the Eurovision

The excitement of Eurovision betting can lead to costly errors for newcomers. Avoid betting solely based on your favorite songs or artists. Personal tastes often differ from overall results. Also, beware of betting on hype alone – early fan support doesn’t always translate to finals success. Don’t underestimate the impact of voting blocs and political influences.

Additionally, over-betting in semi-finals is risky – save larger wagers for the Grand Final when contenders are clear. Most importantly, stick to a reasonable budget and don’t try making up for losses. Bet for entertainment, not earnings.

Follow smart practices and avoid these mistakes when wagering on Eurovision.

Enjoy the Show!

Importantly, Eurovision is meant to be an enjoyable show celebrating music and culture. While betting enhances the excitement, do not let it distract from appreciating the performances. Stay engaged in the full event from beginning to end. It’s fun to celebrate and support artists from many nations because, ultimately, Eurovision brings people together, which should remain the priority over any betting.

Follow these tips to bet smarter on Eurovision while retaining the spirit of this one-of-a-kind competition.