Ratan Khatri, widely known as the "Matka King," was a transformative figure in Indian gambling. Born into a Sindhi family in Karachi, Pakistan, he migrated to India during the 1947 Partition.[1] Khatri revolutionized matka gambling in Mumbai in 1962, evolving it from betting on cotton rates to a nationwide network.[2]

Career

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Initially working under Kalyanji Bhagat with Worli Matka, Khatri branched out to establish Ratan Matka. His network reportedly included celebrities and dignitaries, cementing his legendary status.[3]

Khatri's life was marked by challenges, including a 19-month imprisonment during India's Emergency period. Despite setbacks, he remained influential until retiring in the early 1990s.[4] He passed away in 2020 at age 88.[5]

The mechanics of matka gambling evolved significantly under his influence. Initially based on cotton prices, it later involved drawing slips from a pot and using playing cards to generate random numbers.[2] His legacy continues to intrigue and captivate people.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "'Matka King' Ratan Khatri passes away". Retrieved 2024-12-04.
  2. ^ a b c "Who is Ratan Khatri? All about the legendary 'Matka King'". Retrieved 2024-12-04.
  3. ^ "Mumbai: Ratan Khatri, the 'matka king', dies at 88". Retrieved 2024-12-04.
  4. ^ "Who is Ratan Khatri from Chandu Champion?". Retrieved 2024-12-04.
  5. ^ "Ratan Khatri, Mumbais matka king of 60s-90s, dead at 88". Retrieved 2024-12-04.