Delta takes flight with draftkings gaming – no gambling, just points
delta Air Lines is injecting a dose of competitive spirit into its flights, partnering with DraftKings to offer ‘SkyPicks,’ a free-to-play sports prediction game. Forget betting; this is about flexing your knowledge and potentially scoring some gift cards.
A gamble on engagement, not cash
Starting immediately on Delta’s Wi-Fi-equipped planes, SkyPicks lets passengers test their sports acumen against real matches. It’s a calculated move by Delta, aiming to transform the in-flight experience from passive entertainment to active engagement with their favorite teams and leagues. The airline’s CFO, Ranjan Goswami, put it succinctly: ‘We just wanted to stay in the classic games genre, where it’s tried-and-true.’
This isn’t a foray into the world of online gambling. Delta has explicitly ruled out incorporating cash or miles wagering into the SkyPicks program, opting instead for a skill-based challenge. Following a teaser at CES 2025, the partnership is finally taking flight, offering a refined version of the concept initially envisioned.
Mlb first, nfl next
Initially launching with MLB games, SkyPicks will expand to include NFL matchups later this year. The program is exclusively available to SkyMiles members aged 21 and older, requiring access to one of Delta’s 1,240 planes equipped with Delta Sync Wi-Fi. Think of it as a digital trivia game, but with real-world sporting stakes – the chance to win Delta gift cards, that is.
Beyond the seatback screen
Unlike the New York Times games currently offered on seatback screens, SkyPicks is exclusively accessible via personal devices connected to Delta Sync Wi-Fi. Players can adjust their picks until the game ends, mitigating the impact of last-minute injuries or lineup changes. Contests run twice a week, with top performers rewarded on both individual contests and monthly leaderboards. Ties are resolved by predicting total points or runs scored.
No regrets, just points
Delta’s leadership is clear: they’re prioritizing fun and engagement over risky ventures. “What we really like here is it brings sports and games together,” Goswami stated. “And for us, it was like, let’s do what the data has told us works, which is these types of games that are fun, that are skill-based, and that are no risk.” The airline isn’t considering expanding into traditional gambling, a point emphatically reiterated by Goswami.
This initiative represents Delta’s tenth onboard experience, building on its existing partnerships with FOX, The New York Times, and YouTube. It’s not merely about offering entertainment; it’s about cultivating brand loyalty and providing a dynamic, interactive experience for millions of travelers. The bottom line? Delta is betting big on the power of sports-based gaming to transform its skies into a hub of friendly competition – and potential rewards.”