Two companies from France, specialized in aviation design, created a Casino Jet Lounge interior. Jean-Pierre Alfano of AirJet Designs and Frédérique Houssard, founder of Designescence, have laid the foundation for a luxury bar-casino, which is intended to be standard on long-haul flights.
The concept is relatively new (launching in October 2022), and Houssard and Alfano are still in discussions with various airlines. The Casino Jet Lounge has a bar area, seating for socializing and a blackjack table. It is not excluded that we will see others casino games, maybe a roulette or a poker table.
The idea of casino games on airplanes may seem like a novel idea, mainly because no airlines currently have such a thing. But in reality, the concept has been around for decades. In the 1950s and 1960s, when flights were only available to the world's elite, aircraft dedicated to long-haul flights were equipped with lounges dedicated to relaxation, with a bar, game tables, etc.
In 1981, Singapore Airlines installed several slots on board aircraft connecting Singapore and San Francisco. It was an experiment that lasted two months. At the time, the company acknowledged that the slots were an operational challenge. The machines had to be secured and it was a challenge to take off and land.
In 1990, Swissair installed an entertainment system that allowed passengers to bet up to $350 on poker, keno and blackjack. Other airlines were also interested in this, but it never materialized.
The idea of on-board casinos was brought up again by Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin brand. In 2005, it announced that the new Airbus A380 aircraft would have suites with double beds and games on board.
RYANAIR had planned to introduce an in-flight entertainment system with casino games and lotteries, which never happened. But we all know there was a time when RYANAIR staff sold lotto tickets and lottery tickets on board.
Aside from the initial investment, there are a few other barriers to getting casinos on planes. For starters, as more carriers introduce Wi-Fi on flights passengers could bet online from their mobile devices. Perhaps there is no need to invest extra as long as passengers can have direct access to online casinos.
It's hard to imagine that airlines would be willing to give up potential passenger space to a social zone, but Alfano says that if it's designed properly, there shouldn't be such a problem. Airlines can earn from this Casino Jet Lounge area.
Aircraft dedicated to long-haul flights have rest areas for the crew, plus other areas that are not exploited to the maximum. The space could easily be redeveloped to include a lounge without being a loss of revenue and without removing rest areas etc.
But over the years, in-flight gambling's biggest challenge has been related to legislation. For example, since 1994, casino games have been banned in United States airspace. There are many other states that have regionally adapted legislation. There are also countries that have not yet legislated the gambling industry, let alone in the airspace. It is also about the security and safety of the passengers. But things can evolve in a favorable direction, with this entertainment industry gaining more and more ground online, and fun is guaranteed.