A Melbourne-based business that conducted a series of illegal lotteries in South Australia has been fined $40,000 following enforcement action by consumer watchdog Consumer and Business Services.

CBS took action against Xclusive Tech and 36 year old Adrian Portelli, formerly of Melbourne, in relation to a series of ten illegal lotteries run between January 2023 and May 2024.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court this morning, Magistrate Melanie Burton found Xclusive Tech guilty of ten counts of conducting an unlawful lottery, but acquitted Mr Portelli on nine counts of assisting in the conduct of the unlawful lotteries.

The court heard that Xclusive Tech had been repeatedly warned that their activities in South Australia were illegal, but persisted in running lotteries without a licence.

“Our licensing scheme is an essential mechanism to ensure that lotteries run in South Australia are above board and accountable,” Acting Commissioner for Liquor and Gambling Jonathan Lambert said.

“This includes significant checks and balances when it comes to how these types of activities are marketed and how they’re drawn.

“Licensing these activities in South Australia helps ensure lotteries are undertaken fairly, and that the public can have confidence they’re being run honestly.

“In this case, this business repeatedly flouted the law, ignoring their legal obligations.

“We will continue to assess any and all applications for lotteries in South Australia on a case by case basis to ensure they comply with all legal requirements.”