Satta Matka is a form of lottery-based gambling that originated in India during the 1950s. Initially based on betting on the opening and closing rates of cotton transmitted from the New York Cotton Exchange, it evolved into a numbers game involving random number selection. Played widely in Mumbai and surrounding areas, Satta Matka became a popular underground betting activity. Though illegal under Indian law, it continues to attract participants due to its potential for high returns. The game involves a Matka (pot) from which numbers are drawn, and players bet on various combinations. Authorities frequently crack down on operations to curb its spread.