DraftKings and Delta Launch SkyPicks on U.S. Domestic Flights

DraftKings and Delta Air Lines launched SkyPicks on July 29, a free-to-play sports prediction contest for passengers on U.S. domestic flights.

The product takes no wagers, deposits, real money or SkyMiles, because the Gambling Devices Act of 1962 bans gambling on U.S. commercial aircraft. It does take a sign-up: players need a DraftKings account, and the contest reaches more than 1,200 Delta aircraft carrying the airline's free Sync Wi-Fi.

Picks Run Twice a Week for Delta Gift Cards

SkyPicks is open to SkyMiles members aged 21 and older. Customers under 21 do not see it.

Players sign in over Delta Sync Wi-Fi, choose a league, then answer questions on head-to-head matchups and game outcomes. Entries can be edited until games start, and standings can be tracked after landing.

Two new contests go live each week. Top performers in individual contests and on monthly leaderboards win Delta gift cards toward future travel. The contest launched with Major League Baseball and adds NFL matchups later in 2026.

Collaborating with Delta gives us the opportunity to reimagine what sports engagement can look like while traveling.

Jeremy Elbaum, chief commercial officer at DraftKings, said that in the announcement.

Federal Law Keeps the Betting on the Ground

Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian revealed the DraftKings tie-up at CES in January 2025 without product details. The airline said then it was not exploring onboard gambling.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal wrote to Bastian and DraftKings Chief Executive Jason Robins on Jan. 17, 2025, urging them to pause the partnership. He cited the 1962 statute and asked what safeguards would protect passengers, including minors, from what he called an addictive product.

The shipped version keeps money off the plane and the account sign-up on it. DraftKings widened that funnel in June, launching DraftKings Predictions on its own exchange, DKeX. Rival Fanatics bought a CFTC-registered exchange and clearinghouse in July to list its own event contracts.

NFL contests arrive when the football season starts later in 2026. Neither company has announced a plan to take SkyPicks beyond U.S. domestic routes.