Ex-NFL Team Staffer Who Stole $22 Million to Fund Gambling Habit Blames Sports Betting Site, Sues for $250 Million

A former middle office employee for an NFL team is suing FanDuel and seeking $250 million for fueling his gambling addiction.

From 2019 to 2023, Amit Patel embezzled more than $22 million while working as a finance manager for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ NFL team. In addition to buying cryptocurrency, two vehicles, and a condo, Patel dumped $20 million into FanDuel, according to CBS.

In addition to giving him $1.1 million in credits, CBS reported the online gambling company sent Patel to the College Football Playoff, the Master, and the Miami Grand Prix. Patel also alleged that he and FanDuel VIP host Brett Krause communicated around 100 times a day for two years. He also stated Krause contacted him on days he didn’t gamble to ask why.

Patel was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison and ordered to pay $21 million in restitution in March. Now, he’s suing FanDuel for $250 million in damages, alleging the $35 billion company ignored its own responsible gaming and anti-money laundering protocols, according to documents obtained by ESPN.

Matthew Litt, Patel’s attorney, claims FanDuel “preyed” on his client to do whatever it could to keep him gambling.

“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,” Litt said.

Meanwhile, Krause’s attorney dubbed Patel a “fraudster” who misrepresented his life to FanDuel executives.