Customers flying Delta Air Lines now have a new form of onboard entertainment available from an unexpected partner: DraftKings.
Starting this week, passengers ages 21 and older will be able to access SkyPicks, a new free-to-play in-flight sports prediction game. Those who chose to play will answer questions that mimic traditional contests on DraftKings and predict things such as which player will score first, the winning team, and final score for sports like basketball, football, baseball.
The one big difference: You won’t be able to win real cash.
A 1962 law that prohibits gambling on commercial flights, so despite its resemblance to the real deal, SkyPicks is not technically betting. However, winners won’t walk away empty handed. Players will compete for a spot on the top of a leaderboard and a chance to win Delta gift cards. New contests will be offered several times a week, and players can update their picks and check in on the leaderboard even after they’ve reached their final destination.
The move towards joining in-flight entertainment ties in to the growing popularity of sports betting in the US.For reference, last year Americans spent more on sports betting than they did on other forms of entertainment like museums, movies, or music.
“We’re also exploring new ways to bring fans closer to the action beyond the traditional settings,” Jeremy Elbaum, Chief Commercial Officer at DraftKings, said in a press statement.
“Collaborating with Delta gives us the opportunity to reimagine what sports engagement can look like while traveling, bringing innovative ways for fans to stay connected to the games they love—even when they’re in the air.”
The initial rollout is set to include contests related to Major League Baseball, although NFL and other contests are expected later this year. Passengers looking to play will do so on their mobile or personal devices through Delta Sync Wi-Fi, with the game not available as backseat entertainment.
On social media, many users took the news with humor, suggesting that bets could be travel themes as well.
“DeltaKings bout to roll out a feature where you can bet what color suitcase comes down the baggage claim,” a user said on X. Another added, “+90000 the plane doesn’t arrive at your destination.”
Despite the rising popularity of gambling, users on social media are not exactly welcoming the news.
“I’m a gambler I don’t need see sports betting in every place I go or travel,” a user said on X. Another added, “ Delta getting into sports betting. America is really getting out of control with gambling. My goodness.”
