Joey Chestnut’s absence will have a big impact on Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest odds, but gawkers can still plan their July 4 holiday around the spectacle of water-soaked buns, processed meat tubes, and barf buckets.
Bon appétit.
Not all states allow the wiener wagers, but bets include competitor Over/Under totals and, of course, odds for the eventual men’s and women’s outright winners.
Which States Allow Hot Dog Eating Contest Wagers?
Retail or online sports betting is an option in 38 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico, but each state sets its own betting markets. Companies like FanDuel and DraftKings have the technology to customize their betting menus based on each state’s rules.
For example, the FanDuel app will post hot dog betting odds in Boston, but customers in New York City won’t see the option because competitive eating bets aren’t allowed in the Empire State.
Arizona | Massachusetts |
Colorado | Michigan |
Connecticut | New Hampshire |
Illinois | New Jersey |
Indiana | North Carolina |
Kansas | Oregon |
Kentucky | Washington |
Louisiana | Wyoming |
Joey Chestnut is Out: Who is Favored Now?
Competitive eating lost its transformational star ahead of the niche sport’s Super Bowl. Joey Chestnut chowed down 62 franks to win his 16th title in 2023.
Event organizers decided to starve him out in 2024 over a sponsorship kerfuffle, however. Contest organizer Major League Eating issued a statement about their superstar’s absence:
“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.”
Chestnut said he was “gutted to learn” that he couldn’t compete for a 17th mustard belt. On June 11, he said the decision “will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment.”
“To my fans, I love you and appreciate you,” he added in a post on X. “Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon.”
Chestnut chomped a record 75 hot dogs in 2020. This year, he will spend Independence Day at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX, where he will take on military challengers as part of the “Pop Goes the Fort” July 4th Celebration.
The women’s division still has its dominant star. Muki Sudo won her ninth belt in 2023. She holds the women’s world record by consuming 48.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes. She is a prohibitive favorite to retain her title at Coney Island.
Legal sports betting apps, including BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and bet365, all have great betting options. Here’s a snapshot of the odds from two of the industry leaders.
Competitor | DraftKings | FanDuel |
---|---|---|
Men's Division | ||
Geoffrey Esper | -120 | -110 |
James Webb | +200 | +130 |
Patrick Bertoletti | +800 | +1300 |
Field | +2500 | Not Listed |
Gideon Oji | +4000 | +4000 |
Derek Hendrickson | +7500 | +10000 |
King Yamamoto | Not Listed | +7500 |
Darrien Thomas | +7500 | +10000 |
Max Stanford | +7500 | +10000 |
George Chiger | +7500 | +10000 |
Women's Division | ||
Miki Sudo | -1600 | -750 |
Mayoi Ebihara | +700 | +500 |
Michelle Lesco | +2000 | +5000 |
Field | +5000 | Not Listed |
Katie Prettyman | +7500 | +10000 |
Larell Marie Mele | +10000 | +8000 |
Geoffrey Esper is the favorite with Joey “Jaws” out of the mix.
How to Watch the Hot Dog Eating Contest
Viewership might be down with Chestnut’s absence, but it could also create more air for a long-shot bet or two. Coverage of the women’s final begins at 10:45 a.m. (ET) on ESPN3. An ESPN2 broadcast of the men’s final begins at noon (ET) on July 4. The Disney network’s coverage includes isolated cameras focused on Sudo and Esper, so, again, bon appétit.
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