A former Jacksonville Jaguars employee who stole $22 million from the team is now suing the popular sports betting company FanDuel, claiming that the company preyed on his gambling addiction and enabled his destructive behavior.
According to court documents filed on Tuesday, the ex-employee, who has been identified as 48-year-old William Davis, alleges that FanDuel knowingly allowed him to wager large sums of money on its platform despite being aware of his gambling addiction. Davis claims that the company’s actions directly contributed to his financial ruin and subsequent criminal activities.
Davis, who worked as a senior finance executive for the Jaguars, was convicted in 2018 of embezzling millions of dollars from the team over a period of several years. He used the stolen funds to finance his extravagant lifestyle and fuel his gambling habit, which ultimately spiraled out of control.
In his lawsuit against FanDuel, Davis alleges that the company’s aggressive marketing tactics and enticing promotions lured him into placing high-stakes bets, even as he was struggling to cope with his addiction. He claims that FanDuel failed to implement adequate responsible gambling measures and turned a blind eye to his escalating behavior.
FanDuel has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to vigorously defend itself against Davis’s claims. In a statement issued in response to the lawsuit, the company emphasized its commitment to promoting responsible gambling and providing resources for those who may be struggling with addiction.
The lawsuit comes at a time of heightened scrutiny on the gambling industry, as lawmakers and regulators grapple with how best to protect vulnerable individuals from the potential harms of online betting. Davis’s case serves as a stark reminder of the destructive impact that gambling addiction can have on individuals and their families.
As the legal battle between Davis and FanDuel unfolds, many are left wondering how such a tragedy could have been prevented and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for the wider sports betting industry and could prompt companies to reevaluate their practices to better safeguard against potential abuses.