Adrian Portelli, the Aussie billionaire behind LMCT+, seems to be taking a “bring it on” attitude towards the flurry of charges he’s facing over allegations of running an illegal lottery.
The news hasn’t dampened his spirits, and he’s been flaunting his luxurious lifestyle on Instagram instead.
The Charges
Portelli faces nine counts of personally conducting or assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery, while his company, Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which operates under the LMCT+ brand, is charged with ten similar counts. The first mention is scheduled for January 15 in the South Australian Magistrates Court. But it seems Portelli is more concerned with throwing a party than worrying about his court date.
Party Like There’s No Tomorrow
On Thursday, Portelli posted a series of videos on his Instagram, showcasing a lavish penthouse party. The clips featured friends and supporters dancing to music blasting from speakers dotted around the room, with Portelli himself flashing a grin at the camera. “Did someone say penthouse party?” a caption read. The billionaire’s $1 billion fortune, which includes multiple properties and luxury cars, was on full display.
A Direct Response to the Charges
In a direct response to the charges, Portelli also took to the official LMCT+ Instagram page. “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 $1000 cash giveaways to you guys instead. We still love you and I’ll definitely be visiting to do more grocery voucher handouts.” It’s clear Portelli is trying to drum up support and deflect attention from the serious allegations.
The Backstory
LMCT+ is a subscription-based lottery that offers cash, cars, and homes as prizes. Anti-gambling advocates have been critical of the company, accusing it of targeting low-income Australians who pay up to $100 a month for the chance to win prizes. Despite this, Portelli insists the company is simply a “membership reward service” that helps local businesses while generating millions of dollars in savings for Australian families.
A History of Controversy
This isn’t the first time Portelli has made headlines. Just a day before the charges were announced, he attracted attention for giving away $150,000 worth of Coles vouchers to help struggling families in western Sydney. It’s unclear whether this was a genuine act of kindness or a PR stunt, but it’s clear Portelli is comfortable with the spotlight.
What’s Next?
As Portelli prepares to face the music in court, it’s unclear how this will affect his business and reputation. One thing is certain, though: Portelli isn’t going down without a fight. With his lavish lifestyle and party attitude, it’s clear he’s not letting the charges get him down. Yet.