Delta Air Lines and DraftKings have announced a partnership to enhance the inflight entertainment experience, though specific details remain limited. The collaboration was revealed by Delta CEO Ed Bastian during his CES 2024 keynote presentation at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

While the exact nature of the partnership remains unclear, it won't include real-money gambling, as Section 41311 of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act prohibits gambling on US carriers and any flights beginning or ending in the United States.

The partnership likely involves:

• Play-money gaming options
• Cross-promotional activities
• Potential loyalty program integration
• DraftKings registration opportunities during flights

Historical context shows that inflight gambling could be profitable, with a 1996 US Department of Transportation study suggesting potential revenue of $1 million per aircraft annually (approximately $2 million in today's money). However, previous attempts at inflight gambling have faced challenges:

• Singapore Airlines' 1981 slot machine experiment caused passenger flow and service issues
• UK airlines limit gambling to scratch cards due to safety concerns
• Mood modification risks from gambling losses could compromise flight safety

While the partnership's immediate scope appears limited to entertainment, it positions both companies for potential future opportunities should regulations change. DraftKings CEO Jason Robbins was present at the announcement, though the company has not yet made an official statement about the partnership details.

Casino.org has reached out to both DraftKings and Delta Air Lines for additional information about the collaboration.

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