A representative image of a lottery. Critics argue that LMCT+ targets individuals who pay up to $100 a month to win lucrative prizes.
Australian billionaire Adrian Portelli, who became famous for giving away cash on social media, is facing a legal challenge after being accused by South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services (CBS) of multiple illegal lottery activities.
The 35-year-old entrepreneur was charged with nine counts of operating an illegal lottery. His company, Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which operates under the brand name LMCT+, faces a further 10 similar charges, News.com reported.
LMCT+ operated a subscription-based lottery with prizes including cash, cars and houses. The charges run from January 29, 2023, to May 16, 2024, and allege that Portelli and his companies operated an illegal lottery during that period.
The charges come a day after Portelli made headlines for giving away $150,000 worth of Coles vouchers to help needy families in Sydney’s west. He recently gave away the vouchers to 1,000 Sydneysiders, boosting his public profile as a philanthropist.
However, Portley’s lottery business has been criticised by anti-gambling advocates who claim it is exploiting vulnerable low-income Australians. Critics argue that LMCT+ targets individuals who pay up to $100 a month to win huge prizes.
Portelli defended his business model, saying LMCT+ was a “membership rewards service” that supported local businesses and saved Australians millions of dollars. “Why not? I can help people so I might as well spend the money,” he argued.
Portelli first came to attention for his appearance on The Block, where he caused a stir by purchasing multiple properties featured on the hit TV show. His company, LMCT+, bills itself as a “shopping tool and rewards club” that offers discounts on purchases for a monthly subscription fee.
Botelli’s wealth is currently estimated at $1 billion, with a fleet of luxury cars and multimillion-dollar properties.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, under the South Australian Lottery Act 2019, any lottery not licensed by the state is considered illegal and violators may be fined up to A$10,000.
Portelli is due to appear in court on January 15, 2025.
