Bambie Thug's Eurovision betting odds updated as Song Contest semi-final gets under way

Irish singer-songwriter Bambie Ray Robinson, aka Bambie Thug representing Ireland with the song “Doomsday blue”, performs on stage during the first rehearsal for the first semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) at the Malmo Arena, in Malmo, Sweden, on May 6, 2024

Bambie Thug has climbed to fifth place in the betting odds to win the Eurovision Song Contest – just hours before we find out if they secure Ireland qualification to the final for the first time in six years.

Ireland climbed further up the odds on Tuesday following a first look at the rehearsals for the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.

The Cork singer, from Macroom, is now the fifth favourite to win the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest having passed Joost Klein from the Netherlands.

In contrast to Ireland, Ukraine has fallen a position and saw its chances of victory fall by 3.4 percentage points.

Ukraine does, however, remain the fourth favourite to take victory in Sweden. At the top of the odds, Croatia has continued to pull away from Switzerland, with a now-13.5 percentage point gap.

According to the bookies, Ireland have seen their odds slashed in BetVictor’s semi-final 1 and outright winner markets for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Having been as wide as 33/1 to win tonight’s semi-final just weeks ago, Bambie Thug’s Doomsday Blue has tumbled down the market since being announced as Ireland’s nomination and is now fancied at 7/1 to see them through to the final.

They have also been backed to win the competition for a record eighth time, having been supported into 11/1 for the crown from 33/1 in recent weeks.

Croatia continue to dominate the betting and lead the market at 1/3 to succeed in semi-final 1, with their chances of winning the overall competition shortening further to 11/8.

Sam Boswell, spokesperson for BetVictor, said: “Bambie Thug’s Doomsday Blue appears poised to secure Ireland a spot in the Eurovision Song Contest Finals for the first time since 2018, buoyed by substantial backing in the market.

“Ireland were originally considered one of the underdogs to win their semi-final at 33/1 as recently as last month. However, they currently stand third in the market at 7/1.

“Although the semi-finals will be at the front of their minds, Ireland may have one eye on outright Eurovision glory, with their odds for the competition slashed from 33/1 into 11/1 in recent weeks.“

Leaders of the market, Croatia, are very strong in the betting at 1/3 for the first semi-final and have also reclaimed number one spot for the final itself at 11/8 from 5/2.”

Ladbrokes have slashed their odds on Ireland winning after a flurry of bets over the weekend.

The bookies have slashed odds from 16/1 to just 9/1 on Bambie Thug going all the way in Sweden on Saturday night.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “All eyes are on Bambie Thug right now and our traders are clearly convinced Ireland have a great chance of going all the way in Sweden.”

Bambie is fourth to take to the stage tonight with their song Doomsday Blue. The Eurovision Song Contest kicks off at 8pm.