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2018 National Spelling Bee Betting Odds and Expert Predictions


by - 5/26/2018

National Spelling Bee

Scripps Spelling Bee announcer Jacques Bailly: "Spell the word outrageous"? Raphael Esparza responds: "Can you use it in a sentence"? Jacques Bailly responds: "It's outrageous that you can bet on the 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee." Raphael responds: "Mr. Bailly, if you post it, the betting public will bet it!"

That is correct, boys and girls, May 29-31 is the 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee, and this event will air on television. More than 500 spellers will have a chance to compete for the title of Champion at this event, and a record number of spellers have been introduced for a total of 516 spellers.

It didn't take long for offshore books likeMyBookie and BetOnline to post odds on the 2018 Scripps Spelling Bee, and over the holiday weekend we will see some of these odds move. Below are the six Spelling Bee betting propositions, and of course I give out free Spelling Bee winners.

Odds Provided by BetOnline & MyBookie

Number of Letters in the Winning Word

Over 9.5 letters +100

Under 9.5 letters -140

Last year the winning word was 'Marocain,' so the under would have cashed, but this year I see one of those multi-letter head-scratchers as the winning word. Recent spelling bee champions had to stress out over words like feldenkrais, nunatak, and gesellschaft to bring home the trophy, and this year I see another humdinger. Free Prediction - Over 9.5 letters +100

Will the Winner Be a Male or Female?
Male -130

Female -110

Last year we saw a female win the spelling bee trophy, which also broke the streak of co-champions. In 2016, 2015 and 2014 we saw a three-peat of co-champions, but this year look for another trend to start. Back-to-back female wins, and since 2000 a female has won or shared the trophy seven times. Free Prediction - Female -110

Will the Winner Be Wearing Glasses?
Yes -130

No -110

Last year female speller Ananya Vinay had glasses on, and since 2000 10 winners had glasses on, and if you count myself then 11 people had glasses on. I'm actually shocked that the juice is only -130 on the 'Yes,' so I believe we are getting great value on 'Yes'. Free Prediction - Yes -130

Will the Winner Have Braces?

Yes +150

No -200

Will There Be Co-Champions?

Yes +150

No -200

We saw a streak of co-champions that I thought was ridiculous to have in the years 2016, 2015, and 2014, but I believe that streak will continue to end. In 2017 the Scripps National Spelling Bee announced a new rule change to avoid ties between champions, so if that is still active then bet 'No'. Free Prediction - No -200

Odds Provided by 5Dimes

Will an Indian American Win or Share the Championship

Yes -900

No +500

Easy prediction! Don't need to type the free play

Raphael Esparza is one of the best handicappers in all sports. Memorial Day weekend the former Vegas Sports Book Director will have action in the Champions League Soccer Finale, Indianapolis 500, and UFC Fight Night 130. This weekend Esparza will also have plays MLB Baseball, NHL Playoff Hockey, NBA Playoff, WNBA, and MLS soccer. New clients can take advantage of Doc's no-hassle $60 free picks offer and get Esparza's weekday picks. Click here for $60 worth of free picks .

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