Delta Air Lines begins surveying passengers to gauge interest in in-flight sports gambling

Delta Air Lines is exploring the integration of sports gambling into its in-flight entertainment system through a potential partnership with DraftKings, a move that could challenge longstanding federal prohibitions on gambling aboard U.S. commercial flights.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian announced the collaboration during a speech at CES in Las Vegas in January, suggesting that fantasy sports and other gaming options could soon be accessible mid-flight.

“From fantasy sports to online adventures, gaming has become part of the daily lives of millions of our customers. And you shouldn’t have to hit pause just because you’re in the sky,” Bastian said at the time.

Although the deal with DraftKings has not been finalized, Delta has begun surveying passengers to gauge interest in “exclusive access to sports gambling (sportsbook) opportunities” through the airline’s Wi-Fi portal, suggesting that the airline is actively weighing its options.

U.S. law, however, remains a significant barrier. The Gambling Devices Act of 1962 prohibits gambling on domestic commercial aircraft, while the Gorton amendment extends that prohibition to foreign carriers flying to or from the U.S.

While the Department of Transportation studied the issue in 1996 and concluded that in-flight gambling could be financially viable, the practice stopped short of being legalized amid broader concerns about the societal impacts of gambling.

The idea of betting while flying has been tested by foreign airlines in the past. Singapore Airlines trialed slot machines in the 1980s, and Swissair experimented with seat-based gambling in the 1990s. Both initiatives were eventually scrapped due to operational or safety concerns. Ryanair proposed a similar plan in 2005 that never materialized.

Despite the legal headwinds, the financial incentive is substantial. The DOT once estimated that inflight gambling could generate $1 million per aircraft annually - more than $1.6 million in today’s dollars. With nearly 1,000 planes in its fleet, Delta could potentially earn over $1 billion per year if federal restrictions were lifted.

In the meantime, Delta may pursue a workaround by offering non-monetary games to build engagement while DraftKings cultivates a user base for post-flight betting. Still, the legality of promoting gambling via Delta’s in-flight systems - even if the betting occurs off-platform - remains uncertain.

One commentary questioned the legality of the situation, suggesting that it’s unlikely their lawyers believe they are complying with the amended Gambling Devices Act of 1962 simply because the gambling is promoted through their online content but carried out on a website they don't host. The remark pointed to the unclear regulatory boundaries involved.