William Hill announced that it would be donating its £200,000 profit from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest final to help the Support Ukraine Charity.
This comes after Eurovision won last year’s event but had to hand over hosting duties to the UK due to the ongoing war with Russia.
Expressing Support
Speaking about the donation, William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said anyone who wagered on Eurovision at the weekend supported the Ukrainian struggle.
A spokesperson for Support Ukraine said that the money would provide necessities like medical aid to people on the front line and in de-occupied territories.
In association with the Ukrainian Club in the city, the London-based charity works to supply humanitarian aid to the country as well as support Ukrainians who are now residing in Great Britain.
Phelps added that William Hill was proud to help Ukrainians get access to food, toys, and other humanitarian aid. The charity operates with support from the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK and other official government organisations of Ukraine.
Liverpool And Ukraine United
Host City Change
Their spokesperson also said that the large donation deeply touched them. They highlighted immense gratitude for all the support the charity, and the people of Ukraine, have received from the British people and for hosting the competition on their behalf.
Traditionally the Eurovision finals are held in the country of the previous year’s winners. Last year, Ukrainian folk-rap group, Kalush Orchestra, celebrated success with their song Stefania. Unfortunately, due to safety concerns associated with the ongoing war, hosting duties were passed to runers-up United Kingdom, with Liverpool playing host to the show.
On the change in hosting duties, Phelps said that it was a stark reminder of the ongoing fight but also of the support efforts and the endurance of a nation with “a heart of steel.” He reminded people to support Ukrainians still in their home country and those seeking refuge in the UK.
17% Of William Hill Punters Backed UK's Mae Muller
Record Breaking Year
This contest instalment marked the ninth time the UK has hosted the event, more than any other country. Most notably in 1974, when ABBA won with Waterloo, a song that has since been named the best song in the competition's history.
It was not just the show that was seeing new heights reached. Betting interest for the show was at an all-time high in the UK. Entain released figures that show a 23% increase in bets placed on the outcomes of the Eurovision Song Contest. There was also more support for the UK than in previous years, with 17% of bettors backing Mae Muller, the UK’s entrant, to win the show.
Even the contestants were breaking records as the contest was won by an artist from Sweden, Loreen, who was the bookmaker’s favourite in the run-up. She broke new ground as the first solo-female act to win twice. Her winning song, Tattoo, was written by her with five other writers.
