Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Odds: Can You Stomach Betting Against Chestnut?
Thought there was nothing to bet on this Independence Day? Think again.
With the exceptions of MMA and PGA betting, the latter of which returned last month, sports bettors have recently been starved of action as they wait patiently for MLB and NBA to return. However, as John Brennan reports, sports bettors can feast on the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest this Saturday.
Joining Colorado and New Hampshire, New Jersey sportsbooks will be allowed to accept bets on Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest this 4th of July.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Betting Odds
If ESPN has been on in the background during the 4th of July at any point over, say, the last 13 years, you likely already know who the betting favorite is.
Joey Chestnut, who currently holds 46 world eating records, has fluctuated between -800 and -1250 at online sportsbooks.
Chestnut’s odds have currently settled at -1000, implied odds of 90.9% to secure his 13th Hot Dog Eating title since he first entered the scene in 2007.
As one ESPN play-by-play commentator described Chestnut, “he has the stomach of a warlord.”
Chestnut is to hot dog-eating what the Celtics were to basketball in the 60s, only slightly better. Chestnut’s lone loss came in 2015, as Matt Stonie upset the defending champ by eating 62 hot dogs with buns (HDB), two more than Chestnut.
Here’s a look at all of Chestnut’s performances in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest:
2007: 66 HDB
2008: 58 HDB (Won in a Playoff)
2009: 59 HDB
2010: 54 HDB
2011: 62 HDB
2012: 68 HDB
2013: 69 HDB
2014: 61 HDB
2015: 60 HDB
2016: 70 HDB
2017: 72 HDB
2018: 74 HDB
2019: 71 HDB
Clearly, Chestnut, who stands at 6’1 and weighs in at 230 lbs, is getting better with age.
Betting on Nathan’s Famous contest this Independence Day is pretty straight forward: take either Chestnut (-1000) or the field (+550). Could another upset, like we saw in 2015, happen to Chestnut this year? 2020 has been full of surprises, after all.
If you have the stomach for betting against Chestnut, a $100 bet will win $550.
Organizers shortened the hot dog eating contest to include only six contestants in the men’s division, and Chestnut is as confident as ever. Speaking to VSiN, Chestnut said his best day is better than anyone else’s but admitted he is keeping his eye on Darron Breedon.
Similar to Chestnut, Breedon says he is eating over 60 hot dogs in practice. The 31-year-old has set eating records for cheese curds, “sloppers,” and milk and cookies. Breedon set the cheese curds record in 2018 by eating more than five pounds in six minutes.
If you’re scared to bet against the GOAT, as you likely should be, but hesitant to lay such big odds, betting on hot dog eating props is an alternative way to get some skin in the game.
At DraftKings Sportsbook, there are two options for Over/Under the number of hots dogs eaten:
Over 72.5 -162
Under 72.5 +125
Or
Over 74.5 +140
Under 74.5 -182
HOWEVER, DraftKings is running an odds boost where you can bet on Chestnut Over 74.5 +200 (boosted from +125).
To take advantage of DraftKings Hot Dog promo, you’ll need to sign up at DraftKings Sportsbook if aren’t already. After you’re signed into your account, opt-in to the promo and select the boosted odds on your bet slip.
Will Chestnut have the adrenaline to break another of his world records without a supportive crowd behind every bite or will eating with air conditioning be enough to push him over the edge? Either way, I can’t pass up boosted odds on a new world record this July 4.
More Hot Dog Eating Contest Odds
Additionally, bettors can also wager on the Women’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, in which Miki Sudo is the prohibitive -835 favorite at DraftKings.
Sudo is aiming for her sixth straight title. You can lay -150 that she at least matches her personal record of 41 or take Under 40.5 at +115.
The women’s world record for Nathan’s Famous hot dogs is 45.
How to Watch Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest and Play for Free
If you don’t have access to legal sports betting or prefer not to risk money on the event yet still want some skin the game, DraftKings’ $25K free-to-play will serve your needs.
Coverage of the hot dog contests will begin at 12 noon ET on ESPN. Sudo will be the first attempt to defend her crown at 12:20 pm ET, followed by Chestnut at 12:40 pm ET.
Remember to sign up at DraftKings Sportsbook before the contest begins!
Image Credit: Shutterstock