What's happened
Amid the 2025 NFL season, betting companies like FanDuel and DraftKings settled legal disputes with the Jacksonville Jaguars over stolen funds linked to former employee Amit Patel. Patel, who stole $22 million, lost most of it gambling and transferred funds to betting platforms. The NFL and companies reached an undisclosed settlement to avoid legal costs.
What's behind the headline?
The settlement between the Jaguars and FanDuel highlights the ongoing risks of gambling-related misconduct involving sports organizations and betting platforms. The case exposes vulnerabilities in responsible gambling protocols, especially when employees with access to financial systems misuse their positions. The NFL's involvement, although limited, underscores the league's interest in maintaining integrity amid its lucrative betting partnerships. This incident may prompt stricter oversight and enhanced safeguards across the industry. The fact that FanDuel paid millions to settle suggests a strategic move to protect its reputation and avoid further legal exposure. Meanwhile, Patel's case underscores the dangers of gambling addiction, especially when combined with access to corporate financial systems. The story foreshadows increased scrutiny on how betting companies monitor and prevent illegal or unethical activity, potentially leading to tighter regulations and more transparent practices in sports betting.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that FanDuel paid approximately $5 million to the Jaguars to settle the case, motivated by a desire to maintain good relations with the NFL and avoid legal costs. The Independent details the confidential nature of the settlement and the background of Patel's crimes, emphasizing the legal and ethical issues involved. Both sources highlight the broader implications for the sports betting industry, with The New York Post focusing on the financial and operational aspects, while The Independent provides context on the legal proceedings and Patel's criminal case. The coverage underscores the importance of responsible gambling and the potential consequences of lapses in oversight, illustrating how high-profile cases can influence industry standards.
How we got here
Amit Patel, a financial manager for the Jacksonville Jaguars, stole $22 million through a virtual credit card system used for team expenses between 2019 and 2023. He transferred a significant portion of the stolen money to FanDuel and DraftKings for gambling. Patel's gambling addiction led to him losing most of the stolen funds, and he was sentenced to prison in March 2024. The Jaguars and FanDuel reached an undisclosed settlement in September 2025 to resolve related legal disputes, avoiding a costly court battle.
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FanDuel Group is an American gambling company that offers sportsbook, daily fantasy sports, horse racing, and online casino services. The company operates sportsbooks in a number of states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana and West Virginia...
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional football franchise based in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars compete in the National Football League as a member club of the American Football Conference South division.
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Amit Nilkanth Patel MD, BS, MS is an Indian-American cardiac surgeon and was director of clinical regenerative medicine and tissue engineering at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.