This Spells Disaster: Betting Odds on the National Spelling Bee

Scripps National Spelling Bee – 93rd Scripps National Spelling Bee
May 24-29, 2020
TV: ESPN

On May 24 through the 29th, children from all over the globe will converge on the Nation’s Capital to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. It is the 93rd time the spelling bee competition has been held, and fervid bettors are anxiously pouring over the betting lines to try and expose weaknesses in oddsmakers’ predictions. US gaming laws allow for betting on the spelling bee via a top offshore sportsbook, and we’ve got your betting options covered for this year’s event.

Everyone can remember those anxious moments of preparing for a spelling bee in your homeroom classroom back in elementary school. Now imagine the pressure that these kids are under, after advancing out of their hometown rounds, through their national competitions, and now reaching the ultimate stage in Washington, D.C.

So, what legal betting odds could possibly be offered on the spelling bee? Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and oddsmakers have shown us the light and provided entertainment betting lines on not only word types, but the contestants themselves.

First Letter Of Final Word To Be A Consonant/Vowel?

  • Consonant -600
  • Vowel +350

Based on the final words spelled during the history of the spelling bee, these odds seem to be an exact reflection of the statistics. The odds indicate an 86% chance that the final word will begin with a consonant. If you place a wager of $100 on the last word beginning with a vowel, then you will win a payout of $350 if it hits.

Will A Contestant Be Caught Cheating On Air?

  • Yes +800
  • No -2500

The Huffington Post reported on an instance in 2009 where a contestant was caught using a spellchecking device to figure out the word “coelenterate.” Cheaters are rare, but large payouts are available to those that bet on underhanded play. The odds indicate a 96% chance that cheating will not occur, you can earn a hefty payday if you bet on Yes and it happens.

Will The Last Speller Have Braces?

  • Yes +170
  • No -250

Will The Last Speller Wear Glasses?

  • Yes -200
  • No +150

We were unable to locate exact numbers on how many spelling bee winners have worn braces or wear glasses, but let’s face it, its not the jocks and the babes that advance to the finals. It’s the dorks and the dweebs that tend to excel in academic competitions, and they are often adorned with braces, glasses, and other nerdy regalia. Will this year’s champion rock a typical geeky look? The odds suggest that they will.

From Which Region Will The Winner Originate From?

  • South -200
  • Northeast +200
  • Midwest +800
  • West +1200

The only thing that comes to mind when examining these odds is, what is going on out west? Is the education system out there in need of better teachers? Either way, the south is the odds on favorite to produce the spelling bee champion. If a contestant from the west ends up winning the spelling bee, then a $100 bet can earn $1200.