Adrian Portelli Expands Business into UK Amid Gambling Concerns

Billionaire Adrian Portelli is laying the groundwork to launch his prize draw business into the United Kingdom as part of a broader expansion that includes branded petrol stations and kiosks in shopping centres across Australia. The move has sparked concern from anti-gambling advocates.

Expansion Plans and Business Ventures

UK company records show Portelli, 33, established a London outpost for his LMCT+ business in June, initially named Powerball Portelli Ltd before changing to XClusive Tech Ltd – mirroring the Australian company XClusive Tech Pty Ltd. Portelli, whose wealth has been estimated at $1.6 billion, also has interests in soft drinks, alcopops, childcare centres, and property .

He is also planning to roll out hundreds of LMCT-branded petrol stations, with the first station already acquired in Preston, and is experimenting with kiosks in Australian shopping centres to facilitate sign-ups for prize draws and special deals .

Concerns Over Gambling Accessibility

Anti-gambling advocates in both the UK and Australia have voiced concerns that Portelli’s business ventures will increase gambling advertising and accessibility, particularly to families. Reverend Tim Costello, chief advocate for the Alliance For Gambling Reform, described the business model as “the crack cocaine of accessibility” and called for government action .

Matt Zarb-Cousin, director of London-based Clean Up Gambling, noted the similarity between LMCT and other groups in the UK exploiting loopholes to be classified as raffles rather than gambling products, warning of potential for consumers to overspend and the need for deposit limits and self-exclusion policies .

Portelli’s Response and Legal Challenges

Portelli has downplayed speculation about an immediate UK launch, stating that companies are set up for various business reasons, including exploring opportunities and protecting interests . He also refuted claims that LMCT is a gambling product, asserting that it provides deals to help Australians reduce their cost of living and support small businesses .

LMCT and Portelli are currently defending criminal charges in South Australia for allegedly running an illegal lottery .

Comparison to Traditional Promotions

Portelli compared LMCT’s promotions to those run by major supermarket chains like Coles and Woolworths, such as Little Shop and Ooshies, arguing that those campaigns also target families and encourage increased spending .