Pushed by DraftKings, Delta Air Lines Survey Passengers’ Interest in In-Flight Betting

A customer survey on in-flight sports betting is carried out by Delta Air Lines. Following the airline’s January agreement with DraftKings, this most recent update was released.

In order to determine consumer interest in the possible introduction of in-flight sports wagering alternatives, one of the world’s largest airlines, the Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, has released a new survey. In fact, the survey asks travelers which of the many entertainment options and services they’d most like to try out as a free trial in-flight entertainment option “on your personal device through Delta’s Wi-Fi portal”. Among other things, the study covers free access to music, movies, podcasts, news, anime, travel, live television, and sports betting (sportsbook) chances.

1962 Federal Law Stands in Way of Delta’s Offer

However, in-flight gambling on commercial aircraft is prohibited by current US law; therefore, Delta could only provide in-flight wagering without monetary bets in order to stay within the law’s parameters. Since sports betting is now only permitted in a few US jurisdictions, the idea of US in-flight betting not only violates the 1962 Gambling Devices Act but also raises concerns about jurisdictional legitimacy.

Still, given the practice’s explosive growth in popularity across the country since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was overturned in 2018, it seems Delta has recognized an opportunity and may be looking forward to future regulatory restrictions being loosened.

Delta’s Potential Profits: $1BN+

If Delta goes through with this, it’s expected to give passengers access to DraftKings’ non-monetary wagering choices while in flight, which will entice them to return to the website once they are on the ground. This is part of the airline’s present cooperation arrangement with a Boston-based gambling company, one of the US market leaders, but also one of the world’s top gaming betting sites. The potential profits are impressive: for Delta’s fleet of nearly 1,000 aircraft, this could mean more than US$1 billion annually if the restrictions were lifted.

This most recent update comes shortly after DraftKings and Flutter implemented a $0.50 transaction fee in Illinois in reaction to a tax hike that would’ve forced the operators to a 50% tax rate on sports wagering in the “Prairie State”.