Matka gambling, also known as Satta, is a form of lottery that involves betting on the opening and closing rates of cotton transmitted from the New York Cotton Exchange Matka. It later evolved into a number involving the drawing of numbers from a pot, or ‘matka.’ This intriguing form of gambling originated in India in the early 1960s and has since woven a rich tapestry of history, notoriety, and intrigue, largely due to the colorful personalities of the Matka Kings. Here’s a glimpse into the lives and legacies of some of the most famous Matka Kings.
1. Ratan Khatri – The Original Matka King
Ratan Khatri, known as the original Matka King, is a central figure in the history of the Satta Matka. He transformed Matka into a nationwide gambling phenomenon by standardizing the betting practices based on the opening and closing rates of imaginary products. His method was simple yet innovative; numbers were written on pieces of paper, placed in a large earthen pitcher, and a random draw determined the winning number. Khatri’s betting markets operated out of a humble Mumbai storefront but drew in vast numbers of punters from all over India.
2. Suresh Bhagat – A Tragic Tale
Suresh Bhagat, son of another Matka king, Kalyanji Bhagat, was one of the industry’s most vibrant characters until his tragic end in 2008. He inherited his father’s legacy and tried to steer it through the rapidly changing landscape of Indian gambling laws. However, his life ended in a conspiracy plotted by his own mother and wife, proving that the world of Matka is as dangerous as it is dynamic.
3. Kalyanji Bhagat – The Benevolent Baron
Kalyanji Bhagat started his journey as a migrant worker from Gujarat and ended up as a Matka kingpin. He was known for his generosity and was considered a ‘Robin Hood’ figure among the poorer bettors. Kalyanji’s Matka empire started with him taking bets at the rate of one anna per participant. He later founded the Worli Matka, which became one of the most popular Matka games under his stewardship.
4. Pappu Savla – The Enigmatic Operator
Lesser-known than his contemporaries but no less interesting, Pappu Savla made his mark in the Matka world through shrewd operations and a network that spread across the city. His operations were secretive, yet his influence and control over the Mumbai betting circuits were unmistakable. His story is peppered with police run-ins and dramatic escapes, adding a layer of mystery to his persona.
5. Amar Akbar Anthony – The Modern Trio
While not individuals but a representation of the new era of Matka kings, the pseudonym Amar Akbar Anthony refers to a group of operators who took the legacy of traditional Matka into the digital age. These operators have utilized the internet to extend their reach and modernize the age-old gambling practice to suit contemporary times.
Legacy and Continuance
The stories of these Matka kings do more than just narrate tales of fortune and misfortune; they delve into the complexities of legality, ethics, and the socioeconomic impacts of gambling. Despite the government’s efforts to clamp down on unauthorized gambling, the legacy of these kings continues to influence various forms of betting in India.
As gambling laws in India evolve and the potential for legalized and regulated gambling becomes more apparent, the tales of these Matka Kings serve as a reminder of the game’s deep-rooted cultural significance and the timeless allure of chance. Their stories continue to captivate and serve as cautionary tales about the world of gambling.