FanDuel Settles $5 Million With Jacksonville Jaguars Over Embezzled Funds

FanDuel, a top US online sportsbook and casino games operator, has agreed to pay the Jacksonville Jaguars $5 million in a settlement connected to one of the NFL’s most notable recent embezzlement scandals. The agreement was finalized earlier this year and is tied to losses stemming from the actions of former team finance manager Amit Patel, who stole more than $22 million from the franchise between 2019 and 2023.

Background of the Case

Patel exploited the Jaguars’ virtual credit card system to siphon funds under the guise of business expenses. Over four years, he redirected millions into personal accounts, disguising the theft through inflated charges for travel, catering, and other routine costs. His excessive gambling activity eventually drew attention, with records showing nearly $20 million in deposits made to FanDuel and another $1 million to DraftKings.

Patel pleaded guilty in 2023 to federal wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions. He is currently serving a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence in South Carolina and was ordered to pay more than $21 million in restitution. Alongside his conviction, the Jaguars also launched a civil lawsuit against him in Florida, seeking over $66 million in damages, including investigative costs and interest.

Settlement With FanDuel

The $5 million settlement between FanDuel and the Jaguars brings closure to months of private negotiations. The deal was made to offset the significant portion of stolen funds that ended up at the sportsbook. By settling, FanDuel avoided a prolonged legal battle that could have strained its relationship with the NFL, where it serves as an official betting partner.

Neither the Jaguars nor FanDuel have issued public statements on the matter. The NFL is reported to have encouraged a resolution, though it did not take part directly in the talks. For FanDuel, the agreement reflects a strategic decision to protect its league partnership and move past the financial dispute.

Patel’s Ongoing Legal Battles

Despite this settlement, legal fallout continues. In October 2024, Patel filed a $250 million lawsuit against FanDuel, alleging that the operator failed to apply responsible gambling safeguards and anti-money laundering protocols. He claimed that his high-volume deposits should have triggered red flags and that FanDuel ignored clear signs of problem gambling.

Federal prosecutors have rejected Patel’s defense, pointing instead to evidence of a lavish lifestyle funded by the stolen money, including private jets, luxury cars, and cryptocurrency holdings. His civil case remains unresolved, and FanDuel is pursuing arbitration in accordance with its terms and conditions.

What the Settlement Means

For the Jaguars, the $5 million payout provides partial recovery of the funds stolen by Patel, though the team is still pursuing its larger claims against him in state court. For FanDuel, the deal reduces the risk of drawn-out litigation while preserving its reputation as a key NFL partner.

While the immediate financial dispute appears to be settled, Patel’s pending lawsuit and the broader discussion surrounding responsible gambling practices ensure that this case will continue to draw attention in both sports and gaming circles.