Amit Patel, ex-Jaguars employee convicted of stealing $22M, sues FanDuel for allegedly exploiting his gambling addiction. Read more about the lawsuit and case details.
Amit Patel, a former employee of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is making headlines again, but this time for a lawsuit against sports betting giant FanDuel. Patel, who is currently serving a 6½-year federal prison sentence for embezzling over $22 million from the NFL franchise, claims that FanDuel took advantage of his gambling addiction. He filed a $250 million lawsuit against the company, alleging that it ignored warning signs and responsible gambling protocols while encouraging his excessive betting.
The Case Against FanDuel
Patel, 31, was sentenced earlier this year after pleading guilty to stealing millions from the Jaguars through the team’s virtual credit card program between 2019 and 2023. Most of the stolen money was used to fund Patel’s online sports gambling activities. He admitted during his sentencing that he struggled with a gambling addiction, which he claims FanDuel knowingly exploited.
In the lawsuit, Patel’s lawyer, Matthew Litt, argues that FanDuel preyed on Patel’s addiction by offering incentives, credits, and even trips to major sporting events to encourage more betting. Litt explained that while Patel does not deny his personal responsibility, the lawsuit seeks to hold FanDuel accountable for what he describes as predatory behavior.
“The complaint certainly does not claim the addicted gambler is blameless,” Litt told the Associated Press, “but it does try to apportion responsibility in a way that accounts for FanDuel’s very active involvement in his gambling addiction.”
Lavish Spending and Gambling Addiction
Patel used the stolen money not only to fuel his gambling habits but also to fund a lavish lifestyle. Prosecutors say that he purchased properties and chartered private jets with the money he took from the Jaguars. However, the majority of the $22 million went directly into his FanDuel betting account.
According to the lawsuit, Patel transferred $20 million to his FanDuel account over several years. The betting company allegedly provided him with over $1.1 million in credits and other incentives, such as trips and VIP treatment at major sporting events. The complaint also claims that a personal host from FanDuel contacted Patel up to 100 times per day, further encouraging his gambling.
Patel alleges that FanDuel’s actions violated responsible gambling protocols and anti-money laundering regulations. The lawsuit argues that FanDuel should have recognized that the vast sums of money Patel was betting were not acquired through legitimate means, especially given his status as an NFL employee.
FanDuel’s Responsibility Questioned
FanDuel’s role in Patel’s downward spiral is at the center of the lawsuit. The suit suggests that FanDuel turned a blind eye to Patel’s gambling addiction and instead facilitated his excessive betting behavior by offering rewards and constant contact. Patel’s legal team argues that the company should have acted when it noticed the large transactions and frequent betting patterns, especially since responsible gambling measures are supposed to protect users.
“Defendants actively and intentionally targeted and preyed on Plaintiff with incentives, credits, and gifts to create, nurture, expedite, and/or exacerbate his addiction with the only possible outcome that he would ultimately hit rock bottom,” the complaint states.
Patel’s Guilty Plea and Consequences
Patel’s criminal activities began to unravel in 2023 when the Jaguars fired him after discovering his misuse of the virtual credit card program. Even after his dismissal, Patel continued to spend the stolen funds, leading to further legal trouble. He pleaded guilty to felony wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions in December of that year.
As he serves his time in federal prison, Patel’s lawsuit against FanDuel raises questions about the accountability of gambling companies and their role in supporting responsible betting. Whether FanDuel will be held liable for its involvement in Patel’s actions remains to be seen, but the case shines a spotlight on the ethical concerns surrounding sports betting platforms.
