Amit Patel, a 35-year-old man from New York City, has filed a lawsuit against popular daily fantasy sports company FanDuel and several other defendants for allegedly exploiting his gambling addiction. In the lawsuit, Patel claims that FanDuel and other online sports betting platforms actively targeted and encouraged his addictive behavior, ultimately leading to severe financial losses and emotional distress.
According to court documents, Patel began using FanDuel and other online sports betting websites in 2017 as a way to “pass the time” and make some extra money. However, Patel quickly found himself hooked on the thrill of placing bets and watching games unfold in real-time. As his addiction grew worse, Patel began spending countless hours and thousands of dollars each week on online sports betting, often neglecting his job and personal relationships in the process.
Patel alleges that FanDuel and other defendants utilized various tactics to keep him engaged and spending money, including offering him frequent bonuses and promotions, sending him targeted emails and notifications, and featuring him prominently in leaderboards and promotional materials. Additionally, Patel claims that these companies failed to implement adequate responsible gambling measures, such as setting deposit limits or providing access to resources for problem gamblers.
As a result of his gambling addiction, Patel accrued over $100,000 in debt and suffered significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. In his lawsuit, Patel is seeking monetary damages for his financial losses, as well as punitive damages for the defendants’ alleged misconduct and negligence.
Representatives for FanDuel and the other defendants have not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, legal experts anticipate that the case could have far-reaching implications for the online sports betting industry, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and regulation of responsible gambling practices.
In a statement issued through his attorneys, Patel expressed hope that his lawsuit would bring attention to the dangers of online sports betting and encourage companies to take a more proactive approach to protecting vulnerable customers. “I never imagined that a simple pastime could spiral out of control so quickly,” said Patel. “I hope that by sharing my story, others will be spared from the same fate.”
The lawsuit is currently pending in the New York Supreme Court, with a trial date expected to be set in the coming months. Patel’s attorneys have indicated that they are prepared to vigorously pursue the case and hold FanDuel and other defendants accountable for their alleged misconduct.