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Read Full BioAustralian billionaire Adrian Portelli, also known as Lambo Guy from his appearance on the reality TV show The Block, is facing opposition to the launch of LMCT+ petrol stations, with critics arguing they are vehicles to promote illegal lotteries.
Portell founded LMCT+ in 2018, a subscription service that offers members discounts on shopping and opportunities to win high-value prizes. The company has faced legal challenges in Australia with accusations that it is running an illegal lottery.
LMCT+-branded petrol stations are set to open across Australia, complete with kiosks that allow people to sign up for special prize draws. Portelli says accusations that the company is promoting gambling are “completely off the mark.”
In a statement to The Age, he wrote, “The whole ‘anti-gambling’ narrative around LMCT+ is completely off the mark and shows a misunderstanding of what the business actually does.”
He added, “Tell me what gambling company negotiates discounts with thousands of Australian businesses to help its members save money.”
He referenced legitimate businesses, including supermarkets, McDonald’s, and Woolworths, that frequently run prize draw promotions without the same accusations of facilitating gambling.
‘Loophole Merchant’ Escaping Consequences
Tim Costello from the Alliance for Gambling Reform disagrees with Portelli and believes that the expansion of LCMT+ represents a danger to Australian society. He called Portelli a “loophole merchant” who is escaping consequences for exploiting the public and encouraging gambling-like behavior.
“In terms of predatory action by a loophole merchant – a Houdini merchant when it comes to escaping consequences – it is very serious. State governments and the federal government have to act,” said Costello.
In Costello’s view, LMCT+ is similar to a sweepstakes casino, using a legal loophole to offer unlicensed gambling. He added, “We all know it’s encouraging gambling, and with Australia having the greatest losses per capita and greatest harm in the world from gambling, these loopholes must be legislatively shut by the state governments.
Some of the biggest sweepstakes casinos were also founded in Australia, including VGW and Stake. The business model has faced increased scrutiny in the US, with many states driving out operators.
Portelli says equating his business with a casino is misguided. He insisted, “We operate within the law and comply with the regulations that apply to us. That’s not a grey area. It’s something we’re constantly reviewed on. People are entitled to their opinions, but the claims that the business is ‘predatory’ or irresponsible just aren’t accurate.”
Portelli Fighting Charges Over Unlawful Lottery
In 2024, a South Australian court charged Portelli and the company with running an unlawful lottery. Portelli has pleaded not guilty and says the case is a waste of taxpayer money.
Outside the court in September, he stated, “I’m willing to fight it and just drag it through the court system, so I’m not going to sit down and let them walk all over me, I’m going to fight it, and they are — they’re wasting taxpayers’ money.”
The charges do not carry a potential prison sentence; the maximum fine for violations of South Australia’s Lotteries Act is $10,000. Portelli is estimated to be worth AU$1.6 billion ($1.14 billion).
Company Eyeing UK Expansion
In addition to launching branded petrol stations, LMCT+ has made moves to expand internationally. Portelli set up a UK company last year, which was initially called Powerball Portelli Ltd, which may have fueled the idea that it is running a lottery.
The company has now changed its name to XClusive Tech Ltd. In Australia, the parent company of LMCT+ is also XClusive Tech Pty Ltd.
Portelli denied that a UK launch is imminent, stating, “We set up companies for a range of business reasons, including exploring future opportunities and protecting business interests.”
“We’re always looking at growth opportunities, including overseas, but there’s nothing specific I’m announcing about the UK at this stage.”
Anti-gambling groups in the UK oppose the company entering the country. Matt Zarb-Cousin, director of the London-based organisation Clean Up Gambling, said the business should face similar restrictions as gambling companies.
He stated, “People get sucked in, and they buy too many tickets. At the very least, consumers need to be aware of their chances of winning. There should also be deposit limits and self-exclusion policies for people if they want to quit because it’s quite addictive.”
The UK has been increasing taxes on gambling, but this has not included a rise in its Lottery Duty, which remains at 12%. In January, leaked documents suggested that more fees would be imposed on operators.
The Gambling Commission is facing mounting costs in a legal dispute over the awarding of the country’s national lottery to Allwyn and says higher fees are needed to address a budget shortfall.
