Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has called on Delta Air Lines and DraftKings to end their collaboration to provide in-flight gaming to passengers, MyBettingEdge has reported.
In letters sent to both companies, Blumenthal cited a 1962 law prohibiting gambling on commercial flights. He expressed concern that such a partnership could encourage risky behavior among passengers. “This partnership seems to be aimed at enticing the flying public … to engage in a high-risk activity from their seatbacks, while in the air and unable to walk away,” Blumenthal wrote.
Delta responded on Friday, clarifying that while it is exploring a partnership with DraftKings to expand its games portfolio, gambling is not part of the plans. “While specific details on the agreement and the type of DraftKings offerings coming to Delta Sync will be shared when they’re finalized, the ability to gamble is not currently part of that exploration,” the airline stated, referencing its entertainment system.
DraftKings has not yet commented on the matter.
Blumenthal also raised broader concerns about the impact of gambling, accusing betting companies of using consumer data to lure individuals with bonuses and promotions. “Betting companies have leveraged data collected on consumers to entice them through bonuses and promotions to hook them on this addictive product – resulting in a public health crisis that is producing huge costs in addiction, financial ruin, family disruption and much more,” he said.
The potential partnership has drawn scrutiny as questions arise about the ethics and legality of integrating gambling services into in-flight entertainment systems. Delta and DraftKings face mounting pressure to address these concerns as discussions about the collaboration continue.