Adrian Portelli, a notable businessman from Melbourne, is set to stand trial for allegedly running an unlawful lottery linked to a promotion featuring a house from the popular TV series, The Block, with a cash alternative of $3 million. He faces nine charges personally, while his company, Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, trading as LMCT+, has been charged with ten similar counts.
During an audio-linked pre-trial conference at Adelaide Magistrates Court, Portelli’s case came under review, with a trial scheduled for 4 to 5 September. The charges, brought forth by South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services, indicate that Portelli’s business operated without the necessary licences to conduct lotteries within the state.
Portelli’s activities included offering memberships to a "rewards club", where participants could enter to win cars and properties. According to South Australian regulations, any promotional lottery with a prize exceeding AUD 5,000 requires a valid operating licence, and entries must be free of charge. The major prize in question involved a property in Gisborne, Victoria, featured on The Block, or a cash payout of $3 million.
Court documents clarify that participants needed to rely on chance to win the advertised prizes, yet Portelli did not possess the requisite licence for this type of lottery in South Australia. Chief Magistrate Mary-Louise Hribal acknowledged the complexity of the case and the need for a special listing due to the interstate travel required by Portelli’s legal representatives.
As the trial preparations unfold, the prosecution has requested basic audio-visual facilities to present video evidence, while the defence plans to summon two witnesses to testify. Portelli, who rose to prominence as "the Lambo Guy" after making a striking entrance at a The Block auction in a yellow Lamborghini, reportedly spent a staggering $15.03 million to purchase all five homes available in the 2024 series of the show.
The Block, a production of Channel 9, is owned by Nine, which is also the publisher of this content. As the proceedings advance, the outcome of Portelli’s trial will be closely watched, reflecting broader implications for promotional lotteries in the region.