Delta Air Lines has announced a partnership with DraftKings. This introduces a new gaming experience to passengers. It is part of the airline’s ongoing plans to improve in-flight entertainment. The agreement was first hinted at by Delta CEO Ed Bastian last January. It will allow SkyMiles members to access free games by Delta Sync Wi-Fi.
The collaboration will introduce a variety of free-to-play casino-style games. This includes an expansion of blackjack and other existing offerings with Draftkings-branded options available on seatback screens. Yet, Delta has made it clear that real-money betting is not part of the arrangement. The airline stated that it will not offer services that violate Federal, State, or local laws.
Bastian acknowledged the growing role of gaming in modern entertainment, speaking about the new agreement. He said that gaming, from fantasy sports to online adventures, is a regular part of daily life for millions of their customers. You shouldn’t have to hit pause just because you’re in the skies.
Bastian added that their partnership with DraftKings will enhance the games portfolio already available through Delta Sync and seatback screens. They will leverage the deep expertise that DraftKings CEO Jason Robins and his team have developed over the past decade.
The collaboration between a major airline and a gaming company has sparked speculation about the future of in-flight wagering. While the partnership does not include real-money sports betting, some industry analysts see it as a potential first step toward legalizing real-money gaming on flights. However, such a move would require significant changes to federal law.
As of today, US laws do not allow real-money gambling on commercial flights. Yet, airports in jurisdictions where gambling is legal allow betting.
