Could gambling reach new heights?
Could gambling reach new heights? Well, it appears as though Delta Air Lines (DAL) are looking to introduce in-flight gambling, following a recent survey which could see passengers bet on their favorite sports while relaxing on a plane.
BonusFinder US, a comparison site for online casinos, details all you need to know about the up-in-the-sky gambling to be had on future flights with Delta Air Lines.
The DAL survey asked passengers about topics such as film, music, podcasts, travel content and even anime, but it was the sports gambling aspect which hinted at a game-changing move in the industry.
Back in January, the budget airline announced a partnership with the world-renowned sports betting operator DraftKings. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian stated that the partnership “builds on” the airlines’ existing game offerings in-flight.
The recent survey indicated that potential in-flight gambling could be something which Delta Air Lines and DraftKings are planning over the next few years, although there might be a hitch or two…
Delta Air Lines face a few hitches regarding in-flight gambling
This partnership with DraftKings will allow passengers on flights to play DraftKings-themed games on DAL’s Delta Sync Wi‑Fi platform while using their own personal device.
This comes at no extra cost, although there is no real money involved as in-flight gambling using real money is currently illegal under the present US law.
Indeed, the 1962 Gambling Devices Act prevents passengers from betting on any commercial flight in the US.
Furthermore, with sports betting only available in certain US states, this potential proposal presents various challenges as to which flights would be able to offer said service in the future. That is, if things should change.
Increased interest in sports betting across the US
Delta Air Lines have sensed an opportunity, and are trying to embrace it, especially as interest in sports betting has increased massively over the previous seven years.
This popularity boost stems from the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, allowing several individual states to legalize gambling. BonusFinder US uncovered just how many US states have legalized sports betting in 2025, with 39 states and Washington D.C. currently unlocked.
While the survey gave passengers the chance to share their thoughts on in-flight gambling, both Delta Air Lines and DraftKings will be hoping that further relaxation of regulatory restrictions will come into play sooner rather than later.
DraftKings latest updates
DraftKings have been busy elsewhere, however. Alongside Flutter, the company has implemented a $0.50 transaction fee. This is due to the introduction of a tax hike in Illinois, which would see the operator exposed to a staggering 50% tax rate in the sports betting market.
For now, the seeds have been sown regarding in-flight gambling, but there is still a long way to go for both airline and operator.
Passengers may have to settle for non-monetary wagering options in-flight when traveling with Delta Air Lines, if the project goes ahead soon.
These options could still have plenty of benefits for DraftKings. If passengers are taking advantage of the operators’ in-flight entertainment system – although real money isn’t involved – it could encourage the player to visit the site upon landing.
A smart idea indeed. Could we see this evolve to real sports wagering while 30,000 feet in the air? Watch this space.
