"All this is unchartered territory, and procedures and policies are going to have to grow, and we're all going to have to adapt to a new normal," said Miki Sudo, six-time women's champion of the contest.

According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, wagers will be offered "pre-event and shall cease immediately prior to the event starting."

And the pandemic may further tilt the Hot Dog platters in Chestnut's favor, as his primary challenger — and the only man to outeat him, Matt Stonie ± is sidelined in California as a result of travel restrictions.

Experts estimate up to $1 million is wagered on the Nathan's nibblers each July; legalizing the betting suggests that figure will inflate like the stomachs of the world's best eaters.

"All this is unchartered territory, and procedures and policies are going to have to grow, and we're all going to have to adapt to a new normal," said Miki Sudo, six-time women's champion of the contest.Each year, the contest makes a donation to the New York City food bank.

And the pandemic may further tilt the hot dog platters in Chestnut's favor, as his primary challenger — and the only man to outeat him, Matt Stonie ± is sidelined in California as a result of travel restrictions.