Is it legal to bet on the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Published:
Jul 2, 2024
,
11:03 a.m.
ET
The Fourth of July evokes many emotions from Americans across the country, whether it be the excitement of fireworks or patriotism of the overall independence of the nation. But one event that has also become synonymous with the holiday in the United States is the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
The event is even aired on the main ESPN channel, and as it has grown in popularity, individuals can now wager on varying types of results. Granted, we’ve seen American Joey Chestnut dominate the event in years past, but the record holder will actually not be participating in 2024.
While wagers can’t be placed on Joey Chestnut this year, it is legal to bet on the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in some states, so we are here to help make sure that’s done responsibly.
Which states allow betting on the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest?
While there are 38 locations in the United States where some form of sports betting is legal, wagering on the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is not available in all of them. It is certainly more of a niche event than most others, so we’ve shared the states below that are currently expected to offer betting markets on the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest:
Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
It’s also worth mentioning that the operators offering betting markets on the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest are FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, bet365 and BetRivers sportsbooks.
Be very wary of offshore sportsbooks
It’s important to mention the specific sportsbook operators above, as they are safe and secure platforms. However, there are also illegitimate, unregulated sportsbooks out there. Events like the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest that have limited betting markets can make it more likely that fans may look elsewhere if odds are not available in their location.
That can lead to the use of offshore sportsbooks, which are much more dangerous than the regulated operators in the country. Being labeled as regulated alone generally makes those platforms trustworthy, whereas offshore sportsbooks are not obligated to follow the same rules and regulations.
In other words, there are no protections for bettors when placing wagers with an offshore sportsbook. There are no guarantees for the safety of your funds, let alone the fact that using these operators also violates laws. We’ve taken a deeper dive into the dangers of offshore sportsbooks before, so be sure to check out our article if you want more information.
Risks of betting on the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Unlike more traditional sports, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest presents a whole different set of challenges when it comes to placing wagers. Even when Joey Chestnut was in the field and a massive favorite, there have been unique variables in the eating competition.
In most sports, numbers, analytics, strengths, weaknesses and other measurable factors can be used to place educated wagers. However, with the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, we’re dealing with individuals’ health and their pure abilities to consume and hold down food.
Unless fans have been by the side of a contestant during their training for eating capacity, wagers are placed with far more unknowns. It’s also important to note that oddsmakers are in the same boat, which means that the prices they set for the betting markets often build in more “vig” – essentially the house’s statistical advantage – than with other sporting events.
Another risk, as mentioned above, is the potential of using an offshore sportsbook to place bets. Without proper player protections in place, offshore sportsbooks can be incredibly dangerous. Avoid them at all costs.
Problem Gambling resources & treatment
Some individuals will view betting on the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest as a form of casual entertainment, adding a low-risk rooting interest to their experience of watching the event. However, others may view it as a way to satisfy an unhealthy urge for betting action during a time in the sports calendar when many top sports like NFL, College Football, NBA and NHL are in their offseasons. If you or someone you know fits into the latter category and has become preoccupied with gambling, Birches Health is here to help.
Assessments and treatment are conducted virtually by licensed professionals, so you can reap the benefits on your schedule and from the comforts of home. There are many options for taking an initial step toward help and recovery with Birches Health:
You can also simply call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in touch directly with the Birches team.
Sources:
Joey Chestnut will not compete at 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
