Satta Matka is a popular form of gambling originating in India, rooted in the 1950s when it involved betting on the opening and closing rates of cotton traded on the New York Cotton Exchange. Over time, it evolved into a numbers-based lottery system. Participants choose numbers from a predefined set, and results are declared based on random draws. It gained immense popularity due to its simplicity and high returns but remains illegal in India due to its association with organized crime and financial risks. Despite its ban, it continues to thrive underground and online, attracting players seeking quick fortunes.