Billionaire Adrian Portelli faces charges related to unlawful lotteries in South Australia

Gozitan-Australian entrepreneur Adrian Portelli, better known as ‘Mr Lambo’, is facing charges in relation to his company, Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which operates as LMCT+, over the operation of an allegedly unlawful lottery in South Australia.

Earlier today, Mr Portelli addressed the allegations on Instagram, defending his business and questioning the motivations behind the legal action.

“Let’s talk facts and disclose that my business generates millions and millions of dollars in sales for Australian businesses both big and small and passes those savings onto Aussie families to help alleviate the cost of living crisis,” he wrote.

Mr Portelli also criticised what he described as Australia’s “tall poppy syndrome,” saying: “At what point in this country are we going to celebrate others’ success and use it to motivate our upcoming generation, rather than frowning upon it? To the South Australian Gambling Commissioner… stop wasting taxpayers’ money!”

The charges

South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has filed nine charges against Mr Portelli for assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery. His company, LMCT+, faces an additional 10 charges for conducting or aiding in the operation of lotteries without a licence.

LMCT+ operates a subscription-based “rewards club,” with memberships starting at €12 per month.

Members receive entries into draws to win high-value prizes, including luxury cars, cash, and real estate. The company claims to have partnered with 15,000 Australian businesses, offering discounts and generating significant revenue for these businesses.

However, CBS alleges that Mr Portelli’s business model violated South Australian laws requiring trade promotion lotteries with prizes exceeding €3,000 to be licensed and free to enter.

According to court documents, the incidents occurred between 29th January 2023 and 16th May 2024, and include prizes such as:

• A property in Gisborne, Victoria, or a cash alternative of €1.8 million.
• Another property valued at €1.74 million with a €1.54 million cash alternative.
• A Gold Coast property valued at €780,000.
• Cars, including a “Devil Yellow HSV VZ” and a Toyota LandCruiser 79 series with a “Barcrusher 670c”, collectively valued at €143,000.
• Cash prizes ranging from €154,000 to €308,000.

In a video accompanying his Instagram post, Mr Portelli called the allegations “disappointing” and expressed frustration with media coverage of the case.

“It’s a bit disappointing because I do consider myself to be a nice guy. I literally allow these journalists to come into my house, give themem content, use my face as clickbait, so they can make a living. For them to throw me under the bus like that with misleading and blown-out-of-proportion headlines is disappointing,” he said.

Mr Portelli also defended his company’s compliance, stating: “The business has been running for seven to eight years. It wouldn’t have lasted that long if it wasn’t compliant. We’ve met with Government bodies and gaming commissions, who have investigated us and said we’re compliant. But South Australia is always causing problems.”

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A post shared by Adrian Portelli (@adrian_portelli)

He also accused South Australian authorities of unfair treatment, claiming they had taken money from his company and refused to issue a refund.

Mr Portelli emphasised that LMCT+ does not sell tickets or raffles but operates more like a “digital coupon book.” Members receive discounts from thousands of partner businesses.

“We are a legitimate operating business,” he said.

He added: “We generate millions and millions of dollars for small businesses and pass those savings on to Australian citizens because the cost of living is at an all-time high.”

Mr Portelli and LMCT+ will appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 15th January 2025 to answer the charges. If found guilty, each offence carries a maximum penalty of €6,100.

As the case unfolds, Mr Portelli’s bold defence and ongoing legal challenges continue to capture public attention, raising questions about the regulation of trade promotion lotteries in Australia.