Delta Air Lines announced a partnership with DraftKings at CES in Las Vegas, marking a foray into the sports betting industry. While the specifics of the collaboration remain undisclosed, the announcement has sparked speculation about the potential for in-flight gambling.
Legal Landscape Presents Significant Challenges
However, the possibility of in-flight gambling for U.S.-based airlines faces significant legal hurdles. The 1962 Gambling Devices Act prohibits gambling on commercial aircraft within U.S. airspace.
Historical Attempts and Regulatory Hurdles
While some foreign airlines have experimented with in-flight gambling in the past, including Singapore Airlines and Swissair, legal and technical challenges have hindered widespread adoption. Notably, the Gorton Amendment prohibits gambling on any aircraft flying to or from the U.S., effectively barring most in-flight gambling options.
Potential for Delta-DraftKings Partnership
Given the current legal restrictions, the Delta-DraftKings partnership is likely to focus on alternative avenues, such as:
- SkyMiles Integration: Earning SkyMiles for sports betting activities with DraftKings.
- Exclusive Offers: Offering exclusive promotions and bonuses to Delta customers through the DraftKings platform.
Conclusion
While the Delta-DraftKings partnership represents a significant step for the airline in the burgeoning sports betting market, the potential for in-flight gambling remains a distant prospect due to existing legal and regulatory constraints.
