FanDuel has agreed to pay $5 million to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, settling claims linked to former team employee Amit Patel’s large-scale embezzlement scheme. Patel misappropriated nearly $20 million, much of which was funneled into FanDuel accounts.
Settlement Reached in Embezzlement Fallout
FanDuel has agreed to pay $5 million to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, settling claims linked to former team employee Amit Patel’s large-scale embezzlement scheme. Patel misappropriated nearly $20 million, much of which was funneled into FanDuel accounts.
The settlement, finalized in early 2025, avoids drawn-out legal proceedings and underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding corporate accountability, sports betting regulation, and the relationship between professional sports franchises and gaming operators.
Background of the Case
Amit Patel, formerly a financial manager for the Jaguars, had access to the team’s virtual credit card system. Between September 2019 and February 2023, he manipulated expense records for food, travel, and lodging to conceal unauthorized transactions. In total, Patel diverted roughly $22 million from team accounts.
Discovery Through Gambling Activity
The fraud came to light after Patel deposited substantial sums into FanDuel accounts to fund daily fantasy sports wagers. Court filings reveal he deposited approximately $20 million into FanDuel and another $1 million into DraftKings, making him one of the highest individual spenders on both platforms.
This activity triggered red flags, prompting NFL officials to tighten oversight of staff gambling behaviors.
Legal Proceedings Against Patel
Federal authorities arrested Patel in 2023. He was later sentenced in South Carolina to 6.5 years in federal prison. Prosecutors highlighted his use of stolen funds for gambling, luxury travel, high-end vehicles, and cryptocurrency, dismissing claims of gambling addiction in favor of deliberate fraud.
Patel’s Lawsuit Against FanDuel
In October 2024, Patel filed a $250 million lawsuit against FanDuel, alleging the company ignored warning signs of problem gambling and failed to enforce responsible gaming and anti–money laundering protocols. He also argued FanDuel knew of his NFL employment.
FanDuel denied all allegations, asserting that Patel knowingly engaged in fraudulent activity.
Jaguars’ Civil Action and Settlement
Separately, in July 2024, the Jaguars sued for $66 million in damages, interest, and investigative costs. The team’s lawsuit emphasized accountability and the need to address fraud risks.
Negotiations led to a $5 million settlement in early 2025, resolving the dispute without further litigation. While the NFL was not a direct party, the league supported the resolution.
FanDuel’s Reputation Management
For FanDuel, the settlement represents a strategic move to prevent prolonged litigation and safeguard its reputation as an official NFL partner. The company sought to demonstrate good faith cooperation with the league while limiting public fallout.
The case highlights the delicate balance between the NFL’s integrity standards and its commercial partnerships with the gaming industry. Incidents involving team employees continue to raise questions about oversight mechanisms and the separation of professional sports from gambling risks.
