Delta Explores In-Flight Gambling Option Through Wi Fi Survey

Delta Air Lines is exploring whether passengers would be open to placing sports bets while in the air. Through a recent customer survey, the airline asked travelers if they would consider trying out sports betting through its onboard Wi-Fi system.

Good to know

• Delta partnered with DraftKings earlier in the year, but no formal deal has been confirmed.
• In-flight gambling remains illegal under current federal law.
• A Connecticut bill proposes legal betting on flights connected to the state.

Passengers were asked if they would be interested in testing or accessing a sportsbook feature via personal devices during flights. Although details are limited, the survey signals that Delta is gauging demand before taking further steps. At the moment, no official agreement exists between Delta and DraftKings, though they have been in talks.

Despite the interest, sports gambling is not currently allowed on airplanes. The federal Gambling Devices Act of 1962 makes betting during flights illegal. However, airports in regions where gambling is legal can offer games inside their terminals.

Some states are trying to change that. In Connecticut, lawmakers introduced House Bill 6051, which would make it legal to offer sports betting on flights that either depart from or arrive in the state. The bill includes provisions to ensure compliance with local regulations and the state’s agreements with groups like the Connecticut Lottery Corporation and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes.

HB 6051 also outlines a plan to allocate 8% of all in-flight betting revenue to public education in both rural and urban school districts across Connecticut.

However, the push has not come without resistance. Senator Richard Blumenthal raised concerns in a letter addressed to DraftKings CEO Jason Robins and Delta CEO Ed Bastian. He called for a pause on any move toward in-flight gambling.

Blumenthal wrote, “This new partnership advances the proliferation of sports betting, further fueling a crisis of problem gambling. Betting companies have leveraged data collected on consumers to entice them through bonuses and promotions to hook them on this addictive product – resulting in a public health crisis that is producing huge costs in addiction, financial ruin, family disruption and much more.”