Delta Air Lines has announced a partnership with DraftKings, marking a significant move in the intersection of air travel and gaming entertainment.

During his keynote presentation at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Delta CEO Ed Bastian revealed that the collaboration will be part of the Delta Sync experience, aiming to enhance inflight entertainment options for passengers.

While specific details remain limited, the partnership cannot include real-money gambling, as Section 41311 of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act explicitly prohibits gambling devices on aircraft in foreign air transportation or any US carrier flights.

The collaboration likely involves:

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

Historical context suggests significant revenue potential in airline gambling:

• A 1996 US Department of Transportation study estimated potential earnings of $1 million per aircraft annually
• Adjusted for inflation, this would be approximately $2 million per aircraft today
• For Delta's fleet of nearly 1,000 aircraft, this could represent substantial revenue if regulations change

Previous attempts at inflight gambling have faced challenges:

• Singapore Airlines' 1981 slot machine experiment caused passenger flow issues
• UK airlines limit gambling to scratch cards due to safety concerns
• Passenger behavior management remains a key consideration

While immediate real-money gambling implementation isn't possible under current regulations, this partnership positions both companies for future opportunities should regulations change.

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

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