Matka is among the widely spread popular games across India and people in the region seem to enjoy its entertainment potential. For the time being, however, it is considered illegal according to the laws overseeing the gambling field, which calls for a gambling crackdown across the area of South Goa, and Salcete in particular, where more and more cases of illicit Matka gaming emerge, but apparently not nearly enough.
Illegal gambling dens across the country are subjected to a thorough inspection by the local police officers investigating and taking matters into their own hands. This is the reason why hundreds of individuals across Mumbai have been arrested on the account of managing or participating in such activities since the beginning of this year.
In the meantime, the Salcete area has been among the most heated arenas of Matka gaming which prompts raids on illegal dens on a regular basis. However, it should be taken into account that the police operates solely with the help of reports which guide their on-site investigations. According to a recent statement coming from Goa’s Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, as of now, the police have never convicted a criminal on account of illegal Matka operation.
Measures are Being Taken
In order to optimize the process and provide the field with a higher level of security and protection against illegal operations, the High Court of Bombay in Goa issued a piece of advice which prompts the establishment of a Special Investigation Team. With its help, the field might be well on its way to an overall improvement.
Criminals responsible for the operation of such gambling dens are becoming more and more inventive as time progresses and many of them have transited to the online field. As a result, their offerings are being introduced to an even wider audience and they are made easily accessible. Organized crime should be battled so that the field could remain with its existing legal gambling offerings only and gaming revenue does not sink into the deep pockets of criminals.
Since the beginning of this year, there have been оnly 110 instances of illegal Matka operation across the Salcete area. According to some unofficial estimations, more than 1,000 individuals could be currently operating Matka gaming dens, which is why the aforementioned 110 instances seem unrealistic.
Following the issuing of this information, Inspector General of Police Jaspal Singh made it clear that a crackdown should commence as soon as possible, as to maintain the integrity of the sector. South Goa’s Superintendent of Police Arvind Gawas was advised by Mr. Singh to take serious action, even though this is not the first time the topic has been discussed.
It comes as an addition to the High Court’s directives issued earlier. Locals are well-acquainted with the latest happenings in the region and accusations have been made regarding links between the police and criminals responsible for Matka operation. Tip-offs providing information claim that one of the dens is located in the proximity of the police station.
What Makes the Gambling Activity So Popular?
Matka gambling has been widely popular across Mumbai back in the decades of 1980s and 1990s when people were invested in the gaming offering and enjoyed it as a pastime. When it comes to its origins it involved betting on the opening and closing rates of cotton which was transmitted to the Bombay Cotton Exchange with the help of the widely-spread teleprinters.
This is what made the activity attractive to its players and slowly but surely Matka became one of the thriving industries. Lottery and horse racing have been the primary gambling branches, but the underground sports betting industry is experiencing quite the interest in the recent years, especially when it comes to betting on cricket matches across the country and football in certain states.
Back in May the Law Minister of Goa, Francis D’Souza stated that the regional gambling industry is ready to broaden the variety of offerings, one of them being the popular lottery game of Matka. Up until that point, however, the activity remains illegal and as such should be subjected to the strict control of the police.
