Delta Air Lines has partnered with DraftKings to introduce an exciting new in-flight sports contest experience, enabling passengers to earn free travel credits.
The collaboration between Delta and DraftKings has led to the launch of SkyPicks, a free-to-enter sports contest available during flights. Passengers can access SkyPicks through the Delta Synch Wi-Fi onboard entertainment homepage to make predictions for upcoming sporting events.
SkyPicks encourages players to answer various game-related questions, such as who will score first, which team will emerge victorious, and a final score tiebreaker. Participants who top the weekly leaderboard can earn Delta Gift Cards.
“Through Delta Sync, we’re committed to creating an onboard experience that caters to all customers—enhancing their time in flight with connections to their passions on land, including sports,” stated Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s chief marketing and product officer.
“SkyPicks enables passengers to bring their love for sports onboard in an engaging, free-to-participate format, allowing SkyMiles Members to connect with the games they adore while flying,” Goswami continued.
From SkyPicks to Real Picks
This partnership aims to transform some in-flight sports contest participants into active sports bettors or users of sports prediction markets. However, both companies emphasize that passengers engaging with SkyPicks will not automatically transition to DraftKings Sportsbook users unless they undergo the standard registration process in states where sports betting is permissible.
“DraftKings has designed SkyPicks as a free-to-play platform that prohibits any real-money betting during flights, adhering to federal regulations. New users who wish to download the DraftKings: Sports & Casino app once they land must complete the standard registration process to engage in real-money sports betting or trading,” the SkyPicks release stated.
SkyPicks officially launched on July 29 and currently includes contests based on Major League Baseball games. Following the start of the NFL season, football will be incorporated into the prediction offerings.
In-Flight Gambling Insights
Back in 1981, Singapore Airlines made waves as the first and only major airline to introduce on-board slot machines, embedding lightweight physical machines on a flight between Singapore and San Francisco. However, this experiment was short-lived due to regulatory, operational, and spatial issues.
Since 2009, Ryanair has provided scratch-off cards offering chances to win cash, airline miles, and entries into an annual $1 million jackpot. Although Ryanair had plans for an in-flight iGaming offering in 2004, the project was abandoned due to challenges with satellite internet speed and costs relevant to online casino operations.
While cruise ships can allow gambling once in international waters, similar regulations do not extend to air travel. The United States-Flag Cruise Ship Competitiveness Act of 1991 addressed gaming at sea, and in 1994, Congress enacted the Gorton Amendment, barring airlines servicing the U.S. from installing or operating gambling devices on aircraft. Prior to this legislation, some foreign airlines had permitted passengers to engage in various gambling activities while in flight.