Published on: May 13, 2026, 04:30h.
Updated on: May 13, 2026, 04:30h.
- Federal judge transfers Amit Patel’s FanDuel case to private arbitration
- Decision based on arbitration clause accepted during FanDuel enrollment
- Private arbitration conceals FanDuel’s VIP marketing practices from public view
A federal judge has determined that the lawsuit filed against FanDuel by a man who misappropriated $22 million from the Jacksonville Jaguars to support a significant gambling habit will proceed to arbitration.
Amit Patel, who previously held the position of finance director for the Jaguars, was sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison in March 2024 after admitting guilt to charges related to the theft of $22,221,454.40 from the NFL organization.
As the exclusive administrator for the team’s virtual credit card system, Patel diverted millions to personal accounts from 2018 to 2023 by fabricating numerous false transactions.
In October 2024, Patel initiated a $250 million lawsuit against the sports betting giant, alleging that the company exploited his gambling addiction by offering him “incentives, credits, and gifts that encouraged, nurtured, accelerated, and/or worsened his addiction.”
Terms and Conditions
The recent verdict, disclosed on May 7, revolves around the arbitration clause that Patel agreed to upon registering with FanDuel—mandating that disputes with the company be resolved in private arbitration rather than openly in court.
This ruling does not comment on whether FanDuel engaged in any misconduct. Instead, it upholds the company’s terms and conditions, which stipulate that disputes related to the platform are to be arbitrated rather than adjudicated by a court.
The outcome is advantageous for FanDuel, as arbitration proceedings generally remain confidential. Open courtroom discovery could have revealed internal VIP discussions, compliance strategies, and marketing methods to public examination.
‘Biggest Loser’
Within court documents, Patel was labeled by one daily fantasy sports participant as the “biggest loser ever on FanDuel.” Alongside his prison sentence, he has been compelled to repay $21.1 million to the Jaguars.
Prosecutors highlighted that not all of his spending could be attributed to his gambling addiction. His expenditures included $78,000 on private jet rentals, nearly $600,000 at Apple, $265,000 on a condo in Ponte Vedra Beach, and a purchase of Tiger Woods’ 1996 putter, as detailed in court filings.
Jags Sue Patel
The Jaguars initiated a lawsuit against Patel in Florida state court in July 2024, seeking $66.6 million, leveraging Florida’s civil theft laws that allow for triple damages. This case is still ongoing.
In early 2025, FanDuel agreed to contribute $5 million towards the Jaguars’ restitution, as reported by sources referenced by ESPN.
After initially claiming it had no obligation to return any funds, FanDuel ultimately accepted this resolution partly to maintain its relationship with the NFL, having been an “Official Sports Betting Partner” since 2021.