Billionaire Adrián Portelli has applauded the “cowboy” authorities for threatening to fine him after being accused of running an illegal lottery.
Portelli, 35, popularly known as ‘Mr. Lambo’, was charged over the conduct of his private lottery business LMCT+, Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed on Thursday.
In response to the investigation, Portelli on Friday offered to “round up” the maximum penalty from $190,000 to $200,000 in exchange for prosecutors dropping the case.
“We had a good relationship with South Australia and they allowed us to invest millions and millions and millions of dollars in their state,” he said.
South Africa’s government department confirmed it was prosecuting Mr Portelli and Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, trading as LMCT+ just a day after Portelli handed out $150,000 worth of Coles vouchers to western Sydney residents struggling to buy groceries. .
Portelli faces nine counts of conducting/aiding in the conduct of an illegal lottery, and the company faces ten counts of the same charge, the courts confirmed.
If convicted on all charges, Portelli could face a maximum penalty of $190,000. The case is scheduled for its first mention on January 15 in the South Australian Magistrates Court.
Portelli has an estimated net worth of over $1 billion, and made much of his fortune through LMCT+, a subscription-based lottery.
Portelli (pictured) could face a maximum fine of $190,000. The case is scheduled for first mention on January 15 in the South Australian Magistrates Court.
The 35-year-old claimed he had met with governing bodies several times to ensure his LMCT+ lottery was legal.
“Everyone comes back with the same conclusion: that we delivered,” he said.
“The only people, cowboys, I like to refer to are South Australia.”
Portelli claimed that his license for the subscription platform was revoked “overnight” but offered to “make peace” with the authorities.
‘It is a maximum penalty of $190,000. “I’ll round it up to $200,000,” he said.
“Call him peace and stop wasting people’s money.”
The statement does not clarify whether Portelli intends to plead guilty to the charges against him.
Portelli spent big money throwing a lavish party at his multi-million dollar penthouse in Melbourne’s financial district on Thursday night, just hours after facing charges.
Portelli (pictured with his son) threw a lavish party hours after being charged and then offered to pay more than the maximum sentence in exchange for authorities dropping the investigation.
No expense was spared and entertainment was provided by go-go dancers and famous Australian DJ Havana Brown.
The star-studded guest list included actress Nicky Whelan and Canadian-American YouTubers The Nelk, who were among the revelers who shared images on social media.
He also boasted that his businesses saw a huge increase in sales following the charges.
“Sales increased last night starting at 6 pm in all companies,” he wrote on social media, appearing to thank the media for the free publicity.
He has been accused by anti-gambling advocates of taking advantage of low-income Australians who pay up to $100 a month for lottery draws.
He also attacked the South African government and offered a new “gift.”
“It’s okay, we still love you,” she captioned a selfie with her baby.
“Your gaming commissioner won’t let you win major, life-changing prizes, so I’ve decided to offer exclusive daily $1000 cash giveaways for you.”
Portelli (pictured) has been accused by anti-gambling campaigners of taking advantage of low-income Australians who pay up to $100 a month for lottery draws.
Gambling Reform Alliance chief advocate Tim Costello told Daily Mail Australia he believed LMCT+ was a gambling business.
“What is actually a gambling product that exploits a loophole is deplorable, and I believe that loophole should be closed,” Mr Costello said.
‘The always signature feature of gambling in Australia is that it comes from the poorest postcodes and enriches those who are already enormously rich.
‘It is a transfer from the poorest to the richest, taking advantage of hopes, fears and poverty.
“Australia has the biggest gambling losses in the world because we have the laxest policies in the world, and this is an example of that.”
Former South Australian senator Nick Xenophon, who campaigned against pokies, was unimpressed with Portelli’s business practices.
“This is not what trade promotion licenses were intended to be,” Mr Xenophon said.
‘This looks like a lottery disguised as commercial promotion, and if it is proven to be a loophole, action needs to be taken.
“It needs to be investigated thoroughly.”
Portelli (pictured with his son) has an estimated net worth of more than $1 billion and made much of his fortune through LMCT+, a subscription-based lottery.
Asked if it would consider revoking LMCT+’s licence, a NSW Fair Trading spokesperson said: “this matter is currently under review by interstate regulators.” NSW Fair Trading is not currently investigating LMCT+, although it conducted two separate investigations into the company in 2022 and 2023.
The Victorian Casino and Gaming Control Commission also investigated complaints in 2023, none of which resulted in findings against the company, a spokesperson for the commission said.
Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation by South Australian Business and Consumer Services has led to prosecution in that state’s magistrates court.
A spokesperson for LMCT+ told Daily Mail Australia that the company is a “member rewards service that proudly generates millions of dollars for local businesses and creates savings for Australian families.”
“The company also contributes to positive community initiatives through philanthropic investments,” the spokesperson said.
‘These results are particularly important during a cost of living crisis. Portelli and LMCT+ are very aware of their social license and take their legal and regulatory obligations seriously.
‘To this end, the company conducts itself in accordance with all required regulatory approvals and partners with the government to significantly contribute to economic and social projects.
“LMCT+ looks forward to generating more value for its partners and members over the Christmas holiday period.”