DraftKings, Delta Announces Launch of SkyPicks Platform

DraftKings Sportsbook just elevated its game by about 30,000 feet.

Delta Airlines has launched its new SkyPicks in-flight platform in partnership with the sports betting industry leader. It will allow SkyMiles Members (21+) who have a DraftKings account to make predictions about a player or game. Those who don’t have an existing account will have the option to create one.

SkyPicks will be free to play, but players have a chance to win real prizes.

"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," DraftKings Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Elbaum shared. "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."

The new platform won’t resemble a traditional online sportsbook and will offer far fewer options. While players will be able to pick straight-up winners, they’ll also have a chance to pick top scorers and other player-driven stats.

SkyPicks will start with some MLB games and will be adding NFL games once that season begins.

SkyPicks Sparks Controversy

When Delta and DraftKings announced their plans in 2025, US Senator Richard Blumenthal quickly issued a statement criticizing the move.

“This new partnership advances the proliferation of sports betting, further fueling a crisis of problem gambling,” the Senator from Connecticut stated. “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.”

Blumenthal’s comments highlight the severity of the problem gambling crisis and lawmakers’ desperation to find solutions.

The biggest concern centers on players who aren’t already betting on sports. This free sample can show them the thrill of winning and also forces them to create a DraftKings Sportsbook account. This increases the chances that they’ll place real-money wagers after their flight.

Since SkyPicks won’t accept real-money wagers or deposits, it will be protected under federal sweepstakes law. This means states won’t be able to restrict or regulate the platform, even those with bans on sweeps platforms.