Leading U.S. airline Delta has announced the launch of free, fast WiFi, and a new DraftKings deal that could transform in-flight entertainment as we know it.
Delta hit the headlines last month by unveiling its partnership with DraftKings. It is set to bring free gaming to its customers later this year.
The vision, as told by Delta, is that SkyMiles Members will be able to access “free gaming as an additional offering on Delta Sync Wi-Fi available through SkyMiles Members’ personal electronic devices.”
What does the DraftKings Deal Mean for Customers?
The Delta-DraftKings partnership is expected to bring a range of different free games to SkyMiles members, all available throughout their flights thanks to recent improvements in WiFi connectivity on board.
Customers can expect to see an expansion of the airline’s current free-to-play blackjack and other casino games, with DraftKings-branded games available on the seatback screens very soon.
There could also be free-to-play “prediction” games for sports. There’s definitely scope for a free rewards-style program using coins or points on board, too.
Delta maintains that as far as it is concerned, gaming for real money or miles on board is not part of its plans. In a statement, the airline said that it will “not make offerings available in violation of Federal, State or local laws.”
Commenting on the new deal, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said: “From fantasy sports to online adventures gaming has become a regular part of the daily lives for millions of our customers and you shouldn’t have to hit pause just because you’re in the skies.”
“Our partnership with DraftKings will build on the games portfolio that we already offer today via Delta Sync and our seatback screens while using the deep expertise (DraftKings CEO) Jason (Robins) and his team have developed over the past decade.”
DraftKings Won’t Offer Real Money Sports Betting on Flights
Currently, the DraftKings deal does not involve any real money betting. Because that’s where things get complicated when it comes to adhering to federal laws, as well as the local gambling laws of states from which flights are departing and arriving.
A partnership between an airline and a gambling giant like DraftKings has sparked debate on the future of sports betting in the air, however.
Some have questioned whether the deal could pave the way for the legalization of in-flight sports betting, but this looks unlikely to happen for a while yet. It would require a change in federal law, first of all, and the political momentum needed to make that happen doesn’t seem to be there right now.
Connecticut Lawmaker Proposes Legalization of In-Flight Sports Betting
States such as Connecticut have shown some interest in getting in-flight real money gaming off the ground recently.
In January, Rep. Christopher Rosario (D) announced his intention to legalize in-flight sports betting, introducing a new piece of legislation aimed at doing just that.
The bill applies exclusively to flights originating or terminating in Connecticut, and includes plans for generated revenue, with 1% being diverted to the state’s public education budget.
Confirmed that per federal law this is illegal, no matter what the Connecticut legislature passes. And that's a long shot; the bill is just a "proposal" and only a paragraph long.
— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) January 22, 2025
TLDR don't expect to be placing bets when you're flying from Hartford to Atlanta any time soon... https://t.co/QoZL7ITNKs
Whether Rosario’s bill will gain the required traction remains to be seen, but with commentators already disputing the legality of the proposal it looks unlikely to prove a roaring success any time soon.
