Connecticut lawmaker proposes in-flight sports betting bill

Neha Soni January 24, 2025

SiGMA news

A Connecticut lawmaker has introduced a bill to legalise in-flight sports betting on flights both originating from or terminating in the state.

State Representative Christopher Rosario has introduced the bill, known as HB6051, which would authorise and regulate airborne sports betting and generate substantial tax revenue, and boost local economic growth.

The bill proposes that it will set aside 1 percent of revenue to support public education in rural and urban school districts. However, opponents have raised concerns over public health risks and gambling addiction.

“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 comes at a time when Delta Airlines’ planned partnership with DraftKings announced earlier this month. The partnership will allow passengers to place bets mid-air. However, more details are yet to be announced.

“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.

If HB6051 becomes law, Connecticut’s own sportsbook operators, including DraftKings and FanDuel, could play a pivotal role in implementing in-flight betting.

Bill faces significant hurdles

However, the bill faces significant hurdles in the form of federal law. Both the Gambling Devices Act of 1961, and the Gorton Amendment of 1994 prohibit gambling on domestic and international flights originating in the US.

A vocal opponent of this bill is US Senator Richard Blumenthal, who cites the public health risks associated with gambling expansion as reason for his opposition.

“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.”

He also raised concerns about minors, who comprise a significant portion of airlines passengers.

The proposal, Rosario emphasises, 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 comes amid a broader push to expand Connecticut’s gambling footprint. Lawmakers have filed multiple sports betting-related proposals this legislative session.