Former Jaguars Employee Sues FanDuel from Prison

Amit Patel, the former Jacksonville Jaguars executive who pleaded guilty to defrauding the team out of more than $22 million, filed a $250 million lawsuit against FanDuel, accusing the sportsbook of exploiting his gambling addiction. He claims the operator violated its responsible gaming and anti-money laundering policies and profited off his condition. 

Most of Patel’s Embezzled Funds Went to FanDuel

Patel was sentenced earlier this year after pleading guilty to stealing $22.2 million from the Jaguars over 3.5 years while overseeing the team’s virtual credit card program. He used the stolen funds to gamble and to support a lavish lifestyle, purchasing luxury items such as a high-end home, sports cars, and private jet travel. However, Patel lost most of the funds on bets with FanDuel.

Patel, who is currently serving a 6.5-year prison sentence for wire fraud, claims that FanDuel “exploited” his addiction by allowing him to gamble millions without intervening. Court filings show Patel transferring roughly $20 million to FanDuel during his time as a VIP customer.  The lawsuit claims that FanDuel’s actions exacerbated Patel’s gambling addiction, causing him to spiral further into financial ruin.

Defendants actively and intentionally targeted and preyed on Plaintiff with incentives, credits, and gifts to create, nurture, expedite, and/or exacerbate his addiction.

Matthew Litt, attorney for Amit Patel

Patel’s attorney, Matthew Litt, alleges in the suit that FanDuel enticed Patel to continue gambling by offering him a stunning $1.1 million in credits, together with VIP experiences, including trips to the College Football Playoff championship, the Masters golf tournament, and even Formula 1’s Miami Grand Prix. Litt claims the operator did this, knowing Patel would eventually lose everything.

The Plaintiff Holds FanDuel Responsible for His Downfall

The lawsuit also alleges that Brett Krause, Patel’s VIP host at FanDuel, communicated with Patel as many as 100 times a day between 2021 and 2023, encouraging him to keep playing despite clear signs of problem gambling. Krause allegedly evaded FanDuel’s compliance procedures by shifting communications to his personal phone and even instructed Patel on how to conceal his gambling activities.

FanDuel has not commented on the lawsuit, citing company policy regarding ongoing litigation. Theresa Trzaskoma, an attorney for Krause, dismissed Patel’s claims and noted her client was another party defrauded by Patel. She alleged the plaintiff had lied to Krause regarding his life, likely to hide his issues and ensure he could keep gambling unimpeded.

Amit Patel is a convicted fraudster, and it’s no surprise his complaint is full of misrepresentations.

Theresa Trzaskoma, attorney for Brett Krause

Patel was diagnosed with a gambling disorder only shortly after his firing by the Jaguars and has been participating in therapy sessions with support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. The lawsuit argues that FanDuel should be held accountable for its role in Patel’s downfall, as the company’s actions or inactions contributed significantly to Patel’s gambling disorder.