Adrian Portelli: LMCT+ Fined for Illegal Lotteries, Entrepreneur Cleared of Charges
Adelaide, Australia – A South Australian court delivered a split verdict today in the case of entrepreneur Adrian Portelli and his company, Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, trading as LMCT+. While Portelli himself was found not guilty on all nine charges related to running unlawful lotteries, the company was convicted on all ten charges and fined $40,000.
The findings, handed down on , in the Adelaide Magistrate Court, conclude a case that began in September 2025 when Portelli and Xclusive Tech pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from allegations of operating illegal lotteries within South Australia. Portelli was not present for the court’s decision.
Magistrate Melanie Burton stated that the lotteries were conducted on a national scale, with a smaller proportion of entrants originating from South Australia. The court heard the unlawful lotteries took place between January 2023 and May 2024. South Australian law requires lotteries to obtain approved licenses to protect the public from fraudulent or exploitative practices.
The Prizes: Homes and High-Performance Vehicles
The prosecution detailed that the lotteries offered substantial prizes, including homes acquired by Portelli through participation in the television show The Block, along with cash prizes reaching up to $500,000 and two high-performance Commodore HSVs. The company’s website allows for entries into competitions with a tiered pricing structure, ranging from a single entry for $10 to 500 entries for $500.
Liquor and Gaming Commission prosecutor Stephanie Wilson argued in court that the company had been warned about the unlawful nature of its activities. Instead of complying, Wilson asserted, Xclusive Tech deliberately disregarded the instructions and “deliberately flouting” South Australian laws. She emphasized the significant prize money and properties involved, noting the complete lack of oversight.
Wilson further explained that the purpose of the lottery act is to ensure fairness and honesty in lottery operations.
Defense lawyer Ben Lodge countered that there was no evidence to suggest any fraudulent activity. He characterized the business as legitimate, offering “life changing prizes” and not exploiting consumers. Lodge as well pointed out that the company had been granted a license by the New South Wales regulator.
Magistrate Burton, while acknowledging this was the company’s first offense and classifying it as being on the “low to medium scale of severity,” stressed the demand for consequences. She also noted the company’s financial capacity to pay the fine, stating there were no concerns about its ability to do so.
Background: The Initial Allegations
The case originated from concerns raised about giveaways conducted by LMCT+, a company known for offering competitions with high-value prizes. In September 2025, Portelli appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court, pleading not guilty to 19 charges of conducting or assisting in an unlawful lottery. At the time, Portelli dismissed the case as a result of “someone waking up on the wrong side of the bed” and labeled it a “waste of taxpayers’ money.”
The prosecution argued that Portelli had repeatedly run lotteries without securing the necessary licenses. The charges centered around the legality of the giveaways, specifically whether they met the requirements for lawful operation under South Australian legislation. The court heard evidence relating to the prizes offered, including the properties obtained through The Block and substantial cash awards.
The outcome of this case highlights the importance of adhering to lottery regulations and the potential consequences for operating such schemes without proper authorization. While Adrian Portelli avoided personal conviction, the substantial fine levied against his company, Xclusive Tech, serves as a clear warning to others considering similar ventures. The case also underscores the role of regulatory bodies in protecting the public and ensuring the integrity of lottery systems.