Published on: September 15, 2025, at 07:05 AM.
Updated on: September 15, 2025, at 09:41 AM.
- Jaguars retrieve a portion of funds after FanDuel fraud settlement
- Former finance manager Amit Patel sentenced for $22M embezzlement
- Patel also takes legal action against FanDuel, alleging exploitation of gambling addiction
FanDuel has agreed to pay the Jacksonville Jaguars $5 million as partial restitution for the theft of $22 million by a former employee, as reported by ESPN.
In March 2024, Amit Patel, the Jaguars’ prior finance officer, admitted guilt in federal court for wire fraud and illegal financial transactions tied to the theft of $22,221,454.40 from the NFL team. He is currently serving a 6½-year prison term.
Per “multiple” sources from ESPN, the compensation agreement was settled in early 2025. Initially, FanDuel claimed no responsibility to return any funds, but later opted to resolve the issue in order to maintain a positive relationship with the NFL, according to reports. FanDuel has been the official sports betting partner of the league since 2021.
‘Biggest Loser Ever’
Between 2018 and 2023, Patel was the exclusive manager of the team’s virtual credit card framework, which enabled him to divert funds by falsifying numerous transactions without detection.
During that period, he funneled approximately $20 million to FanDuel and $1 million to DraftKings, which he lost while participating in high-stakes daily fantasy sports.
A frequent DFS player reportedly labeled him the “biggest loser ever on FanDuel,” according to court filings. Besides his prison sentence, he has been ordered to repay $21.1 million to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In July 2024, the Jaguars filed a lawsuit against Patel in a Florida state court for $66.6 million, as Florida law permits a “cause of action for treble the actual damages incurred” in civil theft matters.
Separately, Patel has initiated a $250 million lawsuit against FanDuel, claiming the sports betting entity exploited his gambling addiction.
The allegations state that FanDuel neglected to flag suspicious activity and “consistently” encouraged Patel’s gambling through regular interaction with a VIP host. The company has yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit.
Extravagant Lifestyle
Records indicate that Patel was diagnosed with a gambling disorder in March 2023, shortly after the theft was uncovered.
Federal prosecutors assert that gambling addiction alone cannot excuse Patel’s behavior, as he utilized some of the embezzled funds to support a lavish lifestyle. He spent $78K on private jet services, nearly $600K at Apple, and over $40K at Amazon and Best Buy. Additionally, he acquired a condo in Ponte Vedra Beach for $265K and purchased Tiger Woods’ 1996 putter, according to court documents.
As of July 2025, Patel is facing further charges brought forth by the state of Florida, which could substantially extend his prison sentence.