By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal urged Delta Air Lines (NYSE:) and DraftKings (NASDAQ:) on Friday to halt a partnership to offer in-flight gaming to passengers.
Blumenthal sent letters to the companies noting a 1962 law that outlaws gambling on commercial aircraft.
“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 said on Friday it is exploring a collaboration with DraftKings as it expands its games portfolio but said it is not planning to offer gambling.
“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,” Delta said, referring to the airline’s entertainment system.
DraftKings did not immediately comment.
“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 said.
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