A Connecticut lawmaker has introduced a bill to legalize in-flight sports betting on flights originating or terminating in the state. While supporters argue the bill would help position the state in the evolving industry while raising additional tax revenue, opponents have raised concerns over public health risks.
State Representative Christopher Rosario unveiled HB6051, which would authorize and regulate airborne sports betting while setting aside 1% of revenue to support public education in rural and urban school districts.
“With in-flight betting’s inevitable growth, HB6051 positions our state for revenue opportunities, fostering local economic development,” Rosario said. “My bill ensures Connecticut benefits financially if deals like DraftKings-Delta take off—literally.”
The proposal coincides with Delta Airlines’ planned partnership with DraftKings, announced during the CES conference earlier this month. The partnership would enable passengers to place bets mid-air, but details of the collaboration remain scarce.
“From fantasy sports to online adventures, gaming has become a regular part of the daily lives of millions of our customers. And you shouldn’t have to hit pause just because you’re in the sky,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said at CES.
Current sportsbook operators in Connecticut, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics, could play a key role in implementing in-flight betting if the bill becomes law.
Federal laws like the Gambling Devices Act of 1961 and the Gorton Amendment of 1994 prohibit gambling on domestic and international commercial flights originating in the U.S., presenting significant regulatory challenges for the proposed legislation.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal has been vocal in his opposition, citing the public health risks associated with gambling expansion.
“This new partnership advances the proliferation of sports betting, further fueling a crisis of problem gambling,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to DraftKings and Delta. “This partnership seems aimed at enticing the flying public—including possibly problem gamblers or recovering problem gamblers—to engage in a high-risk activity from their seatbacks.”
Blumenthal also raised concerns about minors, who make up a significant portion of airline passengers.
Rosario emphasized that the legislation would comply with Connecticut’s existing agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, the Mohegan Tribe, and the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, which collectively govern sports betting operations in the state.
The bill is seen as part of a broader push to expand Connecticut’s gambling footprint, with lawmakers filing multiple sports betting-related proposals this legislative session.
Connecticut’s move reflects growing interest in integrating sports betting with air travel, but it also raises questions about the limits of state and federal jurisdiction over gambling. Industry experts view the state’s efforts as a test case that could shape the future of airborne gaming nationwide.
“While respecting federal regulations, we must acknowledge in-flight betting’s inevitable growth,” Rosario said, adding that the legislation aims to balance innovation with responsible gaming practices.
The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on General Law for further review.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/01/23/92795-connecticut-lawmaker-proposes-inflight-sports-betting-bill
