Former Jaguars Employee Amit Patel Allegedly Stole $22 Million for Sports Betting
Amit Patel, a former employee of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been accused of stealing $22 million from the team for sports betting purposes. According to a report from ESPN’s David Purdum, Patel was well-known for his terrible gambling prowess.
Patel’s Terrible Gambling Skills
Patel was described by a fellow daily fantasy player as “the biggest loser ever on FanDuel” and “legendarily bad” at sports wagering. He would often submit lineups with players who weren’t starting the game and sometimes wouldn’t submit a lineup at all.
High-Stakes Contests and Fantasy Tournaments
Despite his poor gambling skills, Patel reportedly entered several high-stakes contests with buy-ins of around $24,000 and bet nearly $500,000 on fantasy tournaments over the past six years. His activities were conducted on platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings.
Charges and Operation Details
In an embezzlement scheme that took place from 2019 until earlier this year, Patel was charged with wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions. He worked in the franchise’s finance department and operated under the username “ParlayPicker” during his gambling activities.
Losses and Intentions
According to Patel’s attorney, Alex King, he lost “approximately 99 percent” of the stolen money through gambling and daily fantasy. King stated that Patel intended to repay the funds with his winnings and make the Jaguars whole.
Cooperation and Rehabilitation
Patel is cooperating with authorities and has checked himself into rehab for gambling addiction. He has acknowledged that his compulsive gambling only worsened the situation, leading him to misappropriate funds in an attempt to offset his significant losses.
Betting on the NFL?
If you’re interested in betting on NFL games, it’s important to approach it responsibly and within legal boundaries. Make sure to research and understand the odds, set a budget, and avoid chasing losses. Gambling should be done for entertainment purposes only and not as a means to solve financial problems.
Overall, the case of Amit Patel highlights the dangers of compulsive gambling and the potential consequences it can have on individuals and organizations. It serves as a reminder to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction.
