The Block‘s Adrian Portelli has been charged by a South Australian consumer watchdog for allegedly running unlawful lotteries.
The 35-year-old billionaire bidder is reportedly facing nine charges in South Australia for personally conducting or assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery, with his company, Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which runs under LMCT+, facing the same nine charges.
Per The Sydney Morning Herald, the alleged offences involving Portelli and his business took place between January 2023 and May 2024, which included prizes such as luxury cars and properties he obtained from The Block.
However, according to the state’s acting liquor and gambling commissioner, it’s alleged that Portelli and LMCT+ “did not hold a licence to conduct the lottery in South Australia,” per the charge sheets obtained by the publication.
What is Adrian Portelli’s business LMCT+?
Per the LMCT+ website, it is a platform where Aussies can pay a monthly fee to access exclusive deals and giveaways.
“LMCT+ is Australia’s Original, Biggest and Best Rewards Club and is now the number 1 shopping tool. We have partnered up with 1500+ (and growing) Aussie businesses to give our customers exclusive discounts where they can save thousands while also having a chance to win awesome prizes,” the website reads.
“Since starting in 2018 we’ve given away over $70 million in prizes and to THOUSANDS of Aussies with prizes ranging from cars, bikes, boats, houses, and cash promotions and we are just getting started.”
Most recently, Portelli made headlines during The Block‘s 2024 finale after he dropped more than $15.3 million on all of the homes. Soon after the big reveal, the billionaire bidder took to his Instagram account to announce that he would be giving away the renovated homes in an LMCT+ competition.
“And as mayor of Portelli town, I would like to announce a world first. LET’S GIVE AWAY A FKN RESORT!!!” he wrote on Instagram.
This isn’t the first time Portelli and his business have faced issues over gambling allegations. Both the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission and NSW Trading have investigated complaints regarding Portelli and his business but found no evidence that he’d been breaking any game and lottery laws.
Portelli is set to appear in court on January 15, 2025.
Image source: Getty Images
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