Sports gaming platforms like DraftKings are emerging as major sports are returning from the pandemic. FOX Business’ Susan Li with more.
The 2020 edition of Nathan’s famous hot dog food contest on July 4 will be open to legal gambling in three states for the first time in its history.
Gambling officials in New Jersey, New Hampshire and Colorado approved bets at the event, allowing legal bookmakers to set odds and bet. In New Jersey, bets will be limited to the event itself and must be made before the contest begins.
“We are excited to have DraftKings on board this year and we are delighted that they help bring the fun and excitement of this venerable contest to thousands of additional sports fans,” said Richard Shea, president of Major League Eating. “We are fortunate to be able to carry out this event in these extraordinary and difficult times. While we will miss the Coney Island crowd, we hope to bring a little lightness by celebrating the Fourth with our reigning champions and the live stream from ESPN. “
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12-time champion American food legend Joey Chestnut is once again favored to win the men’s hot dog contest. Six-time champion Miki Sudo is favored to win the women’s event.
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DraftKings will serve as the official sports betting partner for Major League Eating at the event. The leading bookmaker will offer a free $ 25,000 contest to fans in states where betting on the event is not available.
“Nathan’s famous International Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest is an iconic United States tradition that epitomizes American competition,” said Ezra Kucharz, commercial director for DraftKings. “We are proud to have partnered with Major League Eating to offer people from all over the world the opportunity to participate in such a classic event.”
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This year’s Nathan Hot Dog Contest will proceed with security measures to protect competitors and staff from the coronavirus pandemic. The event will take place in an undisclosed private location with established social distancing measures, rather than its usual venue at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island, New York.
Both men’s and women’s events will feature a limited field of competitors. The men’s event will have six dining rooms, including Chestnut, while the women’s event will have five dining rooms, including Sudo.
Nathan’s famous hot dog eating contest will air Saturday noon ET on ESPN.
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