Airline passengers flying in and out of Connecticut could soon have the option to place sports bets mid-flight if a new legislative proposal gains traction. The bill, introduced by State Rep. Christopher Rosario (D), would make Connecticut the first state to legalize in-flight sports wagering, adding a new dimension to the state’s booming betting industry.
A New Frontier for Sports Betting
Rosario’s Bill 6051 seeks to legalize sports betting on flights that either take off from or land in Connecticut. With 38 states and Washington, D.C., already offering some form of regulated sports wagering, the legislator believes that adding in-flight options could generate additional revenue for the state.
“Betting has become big business in the state of Connecticut, and if this takes off—literally, no pun intended—let’s be there to capture some of that revenue,” Rosario said.
Connecticut’s sports betting market has grown rapidly since it was legalized in 2021. The state has already seen over $5 billion wagered, with December 2023 setting a record $243.7 million handle, a 36% year-over-year increase. Adding in-flight betting could further boost those numbers, attracting travelers looking for entertainment options in the air.
How Would It Work?
Under the proposed law, sports bets could be placed on commercial airline flights that either begin or end in Connecticut. The Connecticut Lottery, which already runs a partnership with Fanatics for sports betting in the state, could potentially extend its services to air travel.
Two of the state’s Native American tribes, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan, also operate legal sports betting platforms with online partners. Whether they would be involved in the in-flight betting operations remains to be seen.
A key provision of the bill includes directing 1% of all in-flight sports betting revenue to Connecticut’s public education system, benefiting both rural and urban school districts.
Federal Law Could Be an Obstacle
While the bill is ambitious, legal hurdles could stand in the way. The Gambling Devices Act of 1962 prohibits gambling on U.S. flights, which could complicate implementation. However, with evolving gambling laws and an increasing push for legalization across multiple states, some lawmakers see an opportunity to challenge or amend these restrictions.
Delta Airlines recently struck a deal with DraftKings to feature betting-related content on its in-flight entertainment system. However, real-money wagers remain off-limits. If Connecticut moves forward with its proposal, it could push airlines and regulators to reconsider the current stance on gambling at 30,000 feet.
Broader Gambling Policy Changes on the Horizon
Rosario’s bill is just one of several gambling-related proposals under discussion in Connecticut. Other potential changes include:
- Allowing betting on Connecticut NCAA teams (currently prohibited)
- Giving operators the ability to correct betting errors
- Allowing users to opt out of certain sports or wagering types
If these proposals advance, Connecticut could further solidify its status as a major player in the sports betting industry, drawing even more interest from operators and bettors alike.
The debate over in-flight betting is just beginning, but one thing is clear—states are getting creative in their efforts to expand sports wagering and capture new revenue streams.
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