Delta Air Lines and DraftKings Announce Collaboration at CES 2025

Delta Air Lines and DraftKings have joined forces catching the eye of people in both the flight and betting worlds. 

Delta Air Lines Teams Up with DraftKings to Enhance In-Flight Entertainment Experience

Delta CEO Ed Bastian broke the news during his main speech at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Bastian stressed that Delta wants to make flying better with cutting-edge tech and fun stuff to do. He said teaming up with DraftKings makes sense for flyers who like to bet.

Bastian further added: “From fantasy sports to online adventures, gaming has become a regular part of the daily lives of many of our customers, and they should not have to hit pause just because they are in the sky. Our partnership with DraftKings will build on the games portfolio that we already offer today.”

The announcement has people buzzing, but the details of the team up are not clear yet. US rules do not allow real money gambling on planes right now. The Gambling Devices Act from 1962 and the Gorton Amendment from 1994 make it illegal to gamble on planes flying in, to, or from the US. Some airlines in other countries have tried in-flight gambling before, but it did not last long because of problems running it and strict rules. Therefore, Delta’s partnership with DraftKings will not offer any real money gambling options at this point.

People think the partnership might focus on games people play for fun or ways to integrate loyalty programs. For example, passengers could earn Delta SkyMiles when they use DraftKings’ platforms or play games to make their flights more enjoyable. This approach fits with Delta’s bigger plan to make customers happier while following current rules.

Experts Suggest Delta’s Collaboration with DraftKings Could Pave the Way for Future In-Flight Betting

Even with legal limits in place, some experts think the team-up could lay the groundwork for future opportunities. If rules change down the line to allow gambling on planes, Delta and DraftKings would be ready to jump on this possible market. Research from the 1990s found out that airlines might make up to $1 million a year per plane through gambling. For Delta’s fleet, that could mean over $1.3 billion yearly when you factor in inflation. However, this is just a guess and depends on big changes in laws and how things work.

DraftKings sees this partnership as a smart move to boost its brand visibility and test new ways to use its gaming know-how. In the tough online gaming world, teaming up with a big airline helps DraftKings reach more people and show it can adapt. While we do not know much about what they will do together yet, this news shows how technology, travel, and fun are mixing more and more hinting at fresh creative experiences for passengers. Right now, we shall have to wait and see how this team-up plays out and what it ends up offering to people who fly.