Senator John McKeon released the following statement in response to a new partnership between Delta Air Lines and DraftKings, the daily fantasy sports and sports betting company.
According to reports, Delta Air Lines announced the new collaboration with DraftKings at a 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) presentation in Las Vegas on January 8.
“This new partnership between Delta Air Lines and DraftKings is deeply concerning and furthers the proliferation of gambling in everyday life,” said Senator McKeon (D-Essex/Passaic). “Online gambling and sports betting have become so normalized and pervasive that anyone can now drain their pockets anytime, anywhere, with just a click of a button. As a result, gambling addiction is surging at an alarming rate. Partnerships like these should worry us all.”
Currently, federal law prohibits gambling on any US carrier airlines and any flights that begin or end within the United States.
“While in-flight gambling is currently illegal under federal law, any collaboration between an airline and a gaming company should raise eyebrows. Gambling on planes would severely harm the well-being of passengers, and it should continue to remain out of the skies,” added Senator McKeon.
Senator McKeon has introduced a slate of bills intended to strengthen protections in the gaming industry for children and chronic gamblers and to raise funds from these businesses in part to support gambling addiction treatment programs:
S-3062: Prohibits casino licensees from using non-wagering casino games to solicit future gaming. With the recent boom in online gambling, it has become increasingly common for casinos to conduct games on mobile applications that provide non-monetary rewards but simulate the act of betting.
S-3063: Permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities for reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward persons self-excluded from gaming activities.
S-3064: Increases tax on Internet casino gaming and Internet sports wagering to 30 percent.
S-3283: Establishes annual fee for sports wagering licensees; directs funds from such fees to Council on Compulsive Gambling and gambling addiction treatment programs.
S-3284: Requires sports wagering advertisements and applications to include warning of risks of gambling.
S-3344: Establishes public awareness campaign concerning risks of gambling and resources available to compulsive gamblers; appropriates $200,000.
New Jersey Assemblyman John McKeon has recently voiced concerns over the partnership between Delta Air Lines and DraftKings. The partnership, which was announced earlier this year, allows DraftKings to offer its sports betting services to Delta customers through the airline’s in-flight entertainment system.
McKeon, who serves as the chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, has raised questions about the potential impact of this partnership on problem gambling and addiction. He has expressed worries that making sports betting easily accessible to passengers during flights could lead to an increase in gambling-related issues.
In a statement, McKeon emphasized the need for responsible gambling practices and protections for vulnerable individuals. He called on both Delta and DraftKings to implement safeguards to prevent problem gambling and ensure that passengers are not being exploited.
This partnership comes at a time when sports betting is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with more states legalizing the activity in recent years. While many see sports betting as a form of entertainment, others are concerned about the potential negative consequences, such as addiction and financial hardship.
It remains to be seen how Delta and DraftKings will respond to McKeon’s concerns and whether they will take steps to address the issues raised. In the meantime, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with sports betting and to gamble responsibly.
