### Former Jaguars Employee Sues FanDuel Over $22 Million Theft, Citing Gambling Exploitation

Amit Patel, a former employee of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has filed a lawsuit against FanDuel in federal court, accusing the sports betting giant of exploiting his gambling addiction. Patel, who embezzled more than $22 million from the NFL team, claims that FanDuel encouraged his compulsive gambling while ignoring its own responsible gaming and anti-money laundering protocols.

In a filing with the Southern District of New York, Patel's attorney, Matthew Litt, alleges that FanDuel manipulated Patel's addiction by providing him with incentives to continue gambling. According to the suit, Patel transferred around $20 million to the sportsbook, which rewarded him with $1.1 million in credits and luxurious trips to high-profile sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff championship game, and the Masters during 2021 and 2022.

"Defendants actively and intentionally targeted and preyed on Plaintiff with incentives, credits, and gifts," Litt wrote, emphasizing that FanDuel's actions led Patel to ‘hit rock bottom.' Patel now seeks $250 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

FanDuel declined to comment on the pending litigation. The lawsuit suggests that Patel's VIP host at FanDuel, Brett Krause, was instrumental in fostering Patel's gambling problem. Krause reportedly contacted Patel up to 100 times per day over a two-year span and advised him on how to bypass FanDuel's anti-money laundering protocols. Krause's attorney also chose not to comment.

Patel pleaded guilty to wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions in March, acknowledging that he had stolen over $22 million from the Jaguars while overseeing the team's virtual credit card program. Federal prosecutors noted Patel's extravagant lifestyle, which included lavish vacations and the purchase of luxury items.

The lawsuit further revealed that Krause had joined Patel on several of the trips sponsored by FanDuel. It also highlighted that FanDuel was aware of Patel's employment with an NFL team and his consequent prohibition from gambling on NFL games. Patel was diagnosed with a gambling disorder in March 2023, shortly after being terminated by the Jaguars. He has since been involved in therapy and support groups like Gamblers Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

In a separate legal action, the Jaguars sued Patel in Florida state court in July, seeking $66.6 million in damages. ESPN previously reported that the team also requested FanDuel to reimburse the lost funds. Patel is currently serving a 6½-year sentence at Williamsburg federal prison in South Carolina.