The dichotomy of public perception can often be as stark as night and day, and for Australian billionaire Adrian 'Lambo Guy' Portelli, this has never been truer.

Just as he was being lauded for his philanthropic efforts, providing much-needed cost-of-living relief to the community, the South Australian authorities have filed charges against him and his business, Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which operates as LMCT+.

Portelli, known as 'Lambo Guy' due to his penchant for Lamborghinis, has been charged with nine counts of conducting or assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery.

His business faces a similar predicament, with 10 counts of the same offence.

These charges stem from allegations by South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services that LMCT+ engaged in unlawful lottery activities between 29 January 2023 and 16 May 2024. The case is scheduled to be mentioned in Adelaide Magistrate’s Court on January 15.

Adrian Portelli has been charged by authorities for allegedly conducting unlawful lottery. Credit: @adrian_portelli / Instagram

Despite the legal cloud hanging over his head, Portelli's recent acts of generosity have not gone unnoticed.

The 35-year-old billionaire recently made headlines for giving away a reported $150,000 in grocery vouchers at two Coles locations in Western Sydney.

This act of kindness was part of his initiative to help those struggling with the rising cost of living, a gesture that saw thousands of grateful individuals lining up in the sweltering heat for a chance at free groceries.

Within hours of the news breaking, he took to the LMCT+ social media account, saying, ‘It’s okay, SA, we still love you.’

‘Your gambling commissioner won’t allow you to win major life-changing prizes, so I’ve decided to run exclusive, DAILY $1,000 cash giveaways to you guys instead.’

‘We still love you, and I’ll definitely be visiting to do more grocery voucher handouts.’

LMCT+ markets itself as a 'shopping tool and rewards club', offering three membership tiers at $19.99, $49.99, or $99.99 per month.

Members enjoy the benefits of a rewards program and are entered into regular giveaways with prizes ranging from new cars to major cash prizes of up to $1,000,000.

Each membership tier comes with a different monthly amount of accumulating entries into these giveaways.

Portelli revealed plans to build a hospital in Penrith for high-needs patients.

This is not the first time he has engaged in such philanthropy; he previously distributed tens of thousands of dollars worth of gift vouchers to Coles shoppers in South Australia, causing long queues and a buzz of excitement at the Munno Para and Port Adelaide stores.

Key Takeaways

• Australian billionaire Adrian Portelli, also known as 'Lambo Guy,' faces charges over conducting an unlawful lottery with his business Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, trading as LMCT+.
• The charges come a day after Portelli was celebrated for donating $150,000 in grocery vouchers at Coles supermarkets in Western Sydney to help with living costs.
• Portelli's business, LMCT+, which operates as a shopping tool and rewards club, offers various membership tiers with associated benefits and entry into regular giveaways, some with major cash prizes.
• Consumer and Business Services alleged the unlawful lottery took place between January 29, 2023, and May 16, 2024, with the case set to be mentioned in Adelaide Magistrate’s Court on January 15.

What are your thoughts on this complex situation? Have you ever benefited from such giveaways, or do you have concerns about the legality of such promotions? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

 

[Suzanne rose]

My daughters and I follow him on Instagram.
At first I thought what an amazing man but after looking into his business it seams he is makung all his money on these lottery type of thing.

He will run competitions where to enter you need to pay $10 for one entry $20 for 3 entries ect . Believe it or not A lot of people enter especially young people.

I have never really seen a winner so not sure if there ever is a winner or if a winner is staged.

He has definitely given away coles gift cards . He dud this in Sydney's Wesr the other day at both Fairfield and Penrith.

He purched $150,000 in coles gift vouchers valued at between $100 to $200 and handed them out.

People had lined up for over 8 hours in 35 deg heat.

This was a wonderful gesture but is there more to it ? Eg like a cover up.
He makes all his money by these lottery style sales

 

[Lunagazer]

Adrian is a man who understands the true value of wealth. It is to help others. I laid him for his philanthropy however, one cannot flaunt the rules regardless of intent. He should have registered for a licence to hold a lottery. It’s simple enough!
I imagine this generous man will now face a substantial fine.

 

[Jentour1]

A perfect example of tall poppy syndrom. If someone does extraordinary thing to help others and fills gaps the government can’t then the powers to be target them and do everything to cut them down. I support Adrian and yes I do pay a membership and yes I have access to some really amazing deals. I also have the opportunity to win amazing members prizes. Hmmm sound familia? I don’t quite understand the difference between LMCT+ and the seniors discount members only prize draws apart from the obvious of prize sizes.

 

[Charlotte59]

Rather odd that the government don't want to help the needy yet when some-one with the dollars to do so gives that help, they get charged for it. Guess it must be true that the government hates competition.

 

[Suzanne rose]

A perfect example of tall poppy syndrom. If someone does extraordinary thing to help others and fills gaps the government can’t then the powers to be target them and do everything to cut them down. I support Adrian and yes I do pay a membership and yes I have access to some really amazing deals. I also have the opportunity to win amazing members prizes. Hmmm sound familia? I don’t quite understand the difference between LMCT+ and the seniors discount members only prize draws apart from the obvious of prize sizes.

Would love to know the amazing deals on offer

 

[Suzanne rose]

Adrian Portelli has an estimated net worth of $1.03 billion, according to the 2023 AFR Young Rich List. This makes him a legitimate billionaire. He founded LMCT+, a discount membership service and big-ticket giveaway business. This business reportedly contributes about $800 million to his net worth.
LMCT makes money by charging membership fees. Members have access to plans that cost between $10 and $500. Those who choose more expensive memberships receive more perks. For example, Entry members get 10% off LMCT+ merchandise, invitations to LMCT+ events, and two days of access to the reward club's discount database.
LMCT+ has more than 300,000 members.
Even if all 300,000 members were on the lowest subscription level – $19.99 a month – that equates to almost $72m a year. If they were all on the highest level – $99.99 a month – that would equate to almost $360m a year.

 

[Dynamo]

He must be kind hearted and generous

 

[Suzanne rose]

He must be kind hearted and generous

What I have seen on Instagram is he is a clever business man . He also has a huge following on Instagram which he also makes money on. The more he gave away the more followers he got.

If he was really generous he would give more of the money away that he actually makes off people

 

[Frida1944]

I think there is far more to this mans "philanthropy" than meets the eye. I'm reserving judgement on this.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Is this any different to the loyalty card system employed by major retailers where you pay to be a member?

Pay for your membership and become eligible for a entry to a draw to win "prizes".

No different to what Adrian Portelli is doing.

 

[Knell]

Yes, he is a very successful businessman! I think the lottery thing is about the accusation that a 'friend' or 'associate' actually (won) the money.
I see it a bit like the sentiment 'charity begins at home'. LOL

 

[Suzanne rose]

Is this any different to the loyalty card system employed by major retailers where you pay to be a member?

Pay for your membership and become eligible for a entry to a draw to win "prizes".

No different to what Adrian Portelli is doing.

I don't pay for my loyalty card.

 

[Bezz]

Smart man at using the law to sell his lotteries. Certainly makes a lot of money out them, saw him buy a number of houses at the Block Auction. Appears he pays well over what they are worth.

 

[magpie1]

If he runs lotteries worth over a set amount of Prize value....I think that he needs a valid licence to run that particular lottery....easily obtainable and many do this type of thing.....think of lottery prizes on offer in shopping centres....it appears he hasn't done this and therefore broken the law according to the Lotteries Commission I assume....large fines perhaps.....it's intended to stop people from running Lotteries of substantial value in prizes, who in fact turn out to be scammers that take your money for the tickets and do not make a draw or supply any of the prizes that they offered.

 

[MMilne]

He can afford to give a miniscule amount of his money away to make himself look good. He is a conman looking for public sympathy. He made his money from a perceived loophole in the law relating to running lotteries - the public who signed up provided his fortune.

 

[tekkac]

Typical Government response

 

[Veggiepatch]

If he runs lotteries worth over a set amount of Prize value....I think that he needs a valid licence to run that particular lottery....easily obtainable and many do this type of thing.....think of lottery prizes on offer in shopping centres....it appears he hasn't done this and therefore broken the law according to the Lotteries Commission I assume....large fines perhaps.....it's intended to stop people from running Lotteries of substantial value in prizes, who in fact turn out to be scammers that take your money for the tickets and do not make a draw or supply any of the prizes that they offered.

How does this extend to community and sporting groups who regularly hold "raffles" to fund their cause?

Do they have to register their "lottery" with the appropriate authority?

 

[Suzanne rose]

If he runs lotteries worth over a set amount of Prize value....I think that he needs a valid licence to run that particular lottery....easily obtainable and many do this type of thing.....think of lottery prizes on offer in shopping centres....it appears he hasn't done this and therefore broken the law according to the Lotteries Commission I assume....large fines perhaps.....it's intended to stop people from running Lotteries of substantial value in prizes, who in fact turn out to be scammers that take your money for the tickets and do not make a draw or supply any of the prizes that they offered.

Years ago I worked for someone who owned a popular formal dress shop. She had a competion going and even advertised it in the local paper. If you purchased a dress including wedding dress and you won you got the dress for free.
8 weeks later she advertised the winner..it was her cousin who also worked for her.

 

[mOiOz]

How does this extend to community and sporting groups who regularly hold "raffles" to fund their cause?

Do they have to register their "lottery" with the appropriate authority?

It seems to be worldwide. Registering lotteries is one way of reducing scammers who run lotteries with no prize, etc.