DraftKings is taking its search for new customers to 30,000 feet.
The latest funnel into DraftKings‘ database is SkyPicks, a free-to-play sports game now available on all domestic flights with Delta Air Lines. While real money cannot be wagered, players are eligible to win gift cards from Delta to use on future trips.
The partnership between DraftKings and Delta was announced at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It was swiftly called out by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal in a letter to the CEOs of both companies, with Blumenthal asking for written responses with details.
Blumenthal’s office did not respond to Legal Sports Report‘s request for comments before publication.
DraftKings cannot offer gambling in skies
It was never really a question if DraftKings would actually offer real-money gambling through the partnership since gambling on commercial flights is illegal under the Gambling Devices Act of 1962.
Players can make predictions about sports events, such as who will score first, which team will win and final scores. Anyone 21 and older with a DraftKings account can play, and new DraftKings accounts can be created within the game using SkyMiles account information to verify their eligibility.
Customers can manage entries made after landing, but new entries can only be made while on a flight.
“At DraftKings, we believe interaction with sports shouldn’t begin and end with the game itself—it should extend to every moment fans care about,” Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Elbaum said in Wednesday’s release. “As we continue elevating the DraftKings Sports experience, we’re also exploring new ways to bring fans closer to the action beyond the traditional settings. 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.”
One time, in Connecticut…
The federal law against gambling on domestic flights did not prevent Connecticut Rep. Christopher Rosario from proposing exactly that in 2025.
Rosario’s HB 6501 would have allowed betting based on Connecticut state laws on any flights beginning or ending in the state. The proposal was filed shortly after the deal between DraftKings and Delta was announced.
