Betting

This Independence Day, Put Your Money Where Their Mouth Is!

by
Anderson Armistead
July 4, 2021

Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

As always, there’s no better way to celebrate American independence than by taking part in uniquely American festivities.

Over the last generation, one of the hallmarks of July 4 has been the Nathan’s Famous Hot-Dog Eating Contest, held each Independence Day at Coney Island in Brooklyn since 1997.

While the event was held privately last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the hot dog contest is back in full force for 2021.

Of course, like American greatness, some things never change, and reigning champion Joey Chestnut – the sport’s undisputed GOAT – is getting most of the love from all the top US-facing online sportsbooks.

However, this is one event where you’ll get dramatically different props from all the major betting sites, and we’ve included the best of these – with very own touts and analysis – below.

So check out the odds and tune in for the gastric fireworks…if you can stomach it!

The Nathan’s Famous contest kicks off with the women’s event at 11:30 AM EST on ESPN3, while the men’s event airs at noon on ESPN.

2021 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest Odds

Via BetOnline Sportsbook

Joey Chestnut: Total Hot Dogs Eaten

Over 73½ Hot Dogs -150
Under 73½ Hot Dogs +110

Last year, Joey Chestnut ate a world-record 75 hot dogs in 10 minutes, breaking his own record of 74 from 2018.

Since he took his first Mustard Belt under the 10-minute standard, Chestnut has averaged 66.4 HDB (hot dogs and buns). That includes the 60 he ate in the sole loss of his reign (2015).

Of course, long-term averages aren’t always much help to bettors.

Since Chestnut’s return to glory in 2016, he’s won every contest with an average HDB of 72.4. This makes the O/U much more difficult to gauge.

That said, Chestnut’s biggest competitors, Matt Stonie and Geoffrey Esper, will be back after missing the 2020 event, which might put a little gloat in his throat.

Still, the payout on the under is more attractive, and this one’s basically a coin toss. Take the +110.

Badlands Booker: Total Hot Dogs Eaten

Under 20½ Hot Dogs -150
Over 20½ Hot Dogs +110

This is supposed to be a contest. If the big dog is sitting at an O/U of 73.5, Badlands Booker probably shouldn’t even be on the stage.

We won’t dignify this nonsense with our hard-earned money.

Geoffrey Esper: Total Hot Dogs Eaten

Over 47½ Hot Dogs -130
Under 47½ Hot Dogs -110

Geoffrey Esper is a musclebound fellow with a big appetite, and his personal best is 51 HDB in 10 minutes.

Still, we like the under on this one.

Matt Stonie: Total Hot Dogs Eaten

Over 44½ Hot Dogs -120
Under 44½ Hot Dogs -120

The books have this as a toss-up, but Stonie is capable of consuming 62 HDB in 10 minutes, which he did in 2015 to take the title from Chestnut.

The over seems like a safe bet.

Nick Wehry: Total Hot Dogs Eaten

Under 44½ Hot Dogs -150
Over 44½ Hot Dogs +110

Wehry got his seat at the table for 2021 during the Nathan’s qualifiers, where he at 34 HDB.

It seems unlikely that he’ll do considerably better than that on the big stage.

We like the under at -150.

Joey Chestnut: Hot Dogs Eaten First 5 minutes

Under 44½ Hot Dogs -135
Over 44½ Hot Dogs -105

Chestnut starts fast and finishes…slightly less fast.

We agree with most bettors and think he’ll come in under 44.5 HDB at the halfway mark.

Joey Chestnut: Hot Dogs Eaten in 1st minute

Over 11 Hot Dogs -140
Under 11 Hot Dogs +100

Take the over. This guy inhales these things.

Joey Chestnut: Total Hot Dogs Eaten

73-74 +175
71-72 +225
75-76 +225
77-78 +500
66-70 +600
79-80 +900
81 or more +1000
0-65 +1200

Most of these lines are pretty tough to call, though we can eliminate the last two from the mix. It’s also unlikely that Chestnut will eat fewer than 70 HDB.

We like 73-74 at +175, but we’re going to get reckless and put equal money on 71-72 and 75-76.

If Chestnut finishes with 71, 71.5, 72, 75, 75.5, or 76 HDB, we’ll win a small payout.

Note: Since there are no half lines here, it’s questionable whether or not, say, 74.5 HDB would pay out at all.

What will happen first for George Shea during the broadcast?

Drop Mic +125
Hat Fall Off +175
Fall Down +250

Apparently, this old guy is somewhat accident prone as the emcee of the Nathan’s Famous contest.

Of the three choices, we like the first one, though we think he’ll probably avoid the trio of faux pas entirely.

What will be said first during the 10-minute Men’s competition?

“GOAT” -140
“Kobayashi” +100

Takeru Kobayashi is getting less and less relevant, as he hasn’t competed in the event since 2009 due to contractual disputes.

While he put the event – and competitive eating in general – on the map, Chestnut is widely viewed as the GOAT and will probably be mentioned as such before Kobayashi’s name is brought up.

What will be said first during the 10-minute Men’s competition?

“World record” -250
“Miki/Miki Sudo” +170

Miki Sudo set the women’s world record in 2020 with 48.5 HDB, and as she’s not participating this year (she’s pregnant and can only eat for two), she’ll be mentioned at the outset.

We like the underdog here, as well as its +170 payout.

Will PETA interrupt the competition?