Is it legal to bet on the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?

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. We’ve seen American eater Joey Chestnut dominate the event in years past, and he returns to the competition this year after not participating due to a widely publicized spat last summer.  

It is legal to bet on the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in some states, but not all… so we are here to help make sure that’s done legally and responsibly if you choose to wager on it.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Birches Health is a specialized provider of gambling addiction treatment nationwide. Care is available virtually from the comfort of home and is covered by insurance. Knowing how to bet responsibly and legally is critical in aiming to reduce the chances of developing a gambling problem. The goal of this article is to help potential bettors do so in a smart, sustainable and healthy manner if they choose to bet on the event. 

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

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:

• Book an Appointment Online 

• Call 833-483-3838 

• Email help@bircheshealth.com