The Eurovision Song Contest isn’t just a musical spectacle anymore. It’s a goldmine for gamblers who know how to play the odds. The 2025 edition in Basel delivered one of the most unpredictable betting seasons in recent memory, with odds shifting wildly before and during the show. From crowd favorites to unexpected risers, here’s how the drama unfolded for Eurovision bettors.
Austria’s Big Win Brought Big Wins!
Austria’s JJ hit all the right notes, quite literally and figuratively. His powerful opera-pop fusion “Wasted Love” didn’t just wow the judges and viewers; it also rewarded smart punters who backed him before the odds turned. Going into the final, JJ was sitting comfortably at second-favorite with a 21% win probability. The odds on multiple platforms were around 3.8 to 4.2, meaning you could have taken home €280 to €320 on a €100 bet! When the curtain closed, he claimed the crown with 436 points, securing Austria’s third-ever Eurovision win. Bookies had kept a close eye on JJ throughout the competition, and his odds improved sharply after rehearsals. Anyone who jumped in early saw a tidy return.
Shifting The Odds
Heading into the final, Sweden’s quirky sauna-pop act KAJ were tipped as the frontrunners, with a massive 50% chance of winning according to the top UK bookmakers not on GamStop. Their eccentric style turned heads. However, when it came to the big night, their performance fell flat with the voters, leaving bettors scratching their heads.
The real plot twist? Malta’s Miriana Conte. Her racy, high-energy number “Serving” wasn’t even on most betting radars at first. But after a bold semi-final performance, she surged in popularity and made it to the final. rewarding those risk-takers who bet on a long shot. France and Finland also had their moments in the odds spotlight, but neither could match JJ’s combination of vocal talent and staging power.
In some ways this year’s Eurovision was also controversial as the differences between the judges and the public voters was the biggest it has ever been. Whether you’re in it for the music or the money, Eurovision betting in 2025 was a wild ride. For next year’s contest, one thing’s for sure: never underestimate the dark horses, or the power of a great live performance.