Matka Goes Digital, Spreads to Puttur, Nagari Through Online Platforms
There are increasing concerns over its impact on economically vulnerable families
TIRUPATI: Illegal Matka gambling network is increasingly shifting to digital platforms in Puttur and Nagari towns of the erstwhile Chittoor district. This has made the activity more accessible to gamblers and those hoping to change their luck. There are increasing concerns over its impact on economically vulnerable families.
Matka, also known as Satta, is a lottery-style betting system in which participants wager money on selected numbers in the hope of receiving high returns. Bettors stake amounts ranging from a few rupees to larger sums to choose one or more numbers. Those whose numbers match the winning combination receive pay outs several times their investment.
What was once conducted through handwritten betting slips and local agents has largely moved to mobile phones. Operators use phone calls, messaging applications and digital payment platforms to collect bets and communicate results.
According to residents of erstwhile Chittoor district, gambling networks have attracted participation from daily wage labourers, auto drivers, powerloom workers, and members of poor and middle-income households.
“People are attracted by the belief that a small amount can bring a big reward. Many workers keep spending a portion of their daily earnings on Matka instead of using it for their families,” said a resident of Puttur, requesting anonymity.
Sources said the adoption of online methods has helped organisers reduce physical transactions. “Earlier, agents would collect paper slips from bettors. Now, everything is through mobile phones. A person can place a bet from anywhere using a smartphone. The system has become faster and more difficult to track,” a source familiar with the operations said.
Residents allege that the gambling activity continues in several localities of Puttur and Nagari despite repeated police action against organisers in recent months.
A senior police officer said enforcement measures are continuing against those involved in the illegal activity.
“We are conducting regular operations against Matka organisers. People should understand that gambling not only violates the law but can also push families into financial distress. We urge citizens to share information about such activities with the police,” the officer said.
