Delta has unveiled details of its first-of-its-kind partnership with gaming giant DraftKings.
The major airline has provided its customers with a preview of exclusive collaborations that are expected in the coming months with a DraftKings partnership headlining the deals.
“Delta is constantly listening to our customers and evolving to meet their needs,” said Delta VP of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity Julieta McCurry. “We know they want an in-flight experience similar to what they have at home, including more ways to engage and stay entertained – which is why we’re excited to continue scaling Delta Sync products.”
Last month, Delta CEO Ed Bastian teased the partnership with DraftKings at CES in Las Vegas but failed to provide details, leading many to wonder if real-money gaming would be part of the partnership. Delta has now notified its customers that its deal with DraftKings allows eligible customers to access free, in-flight gaming provided by the operator. The games, which do not facilitate real-money wagering, are available to SkyMiles Members via Delta Sync Wi-Fi. Customers are also unable to use miles.
U.S. residents and visitors are unable to place real-money wagers while on commercial flights but federal law allows betting at airports that are based in regulated jurisdictions.
Delta, which generated $61.6 billion in revenue in FY2024, has yet to provide a release date for its DraftKings gaming features on domestic and international flights. The company has also secured a deal with YouTube to provide ad-fee content onboard most flights.
Lawmaker wants in-flight sports wagering
Last month, Connecticut Rep. Christopher Rosario introduced House Bill 6051 as a measure that proposes the authorization and regulation of in-flight sports betting on scheduled flights that originate or end in the Constitution State.
If enacted, HB 6051 mandates that all in-flight wagering comply with the state’s existing sports betting rules. The measure also maintains existing sports betting agreements with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians as the state has a gaming compact with the two tribes.
HB 6051, which has been referred to the state’s General Law Committee, requires rural and urban public school districts to receive 1% of all revenue from in-flight sports betting.
