Warli matka has undergone a sea change since Ahmedabad became the hub of operation almost a year-and-a-half ago.
Primary among them is the changes in the number of people operating, the style of picking chits and even the amount of profit earned.
Those in the business say that unlike the Warli matka operating in Mumbai, here a gang of seven people choose the three lucky numbers. It should be noted that in Mumbai only three people pick the numbers. Another change is the introduction of computers to pick the lucky numbers. “Earlier, in Mumbai, the number chits were put in a matka (pot) and three numbers were picked. But now the numbers are picked on the basis of computer,” said a matka trader.
He also said earlier it was difficult for those involved in picking up the numbers to cheat. “But now thanks to computers it has become easy,” said the trader. For example, previously people would bet on numbers from 0 to 9 and at the end of the betting, three numbers would be chosen. All those who put money on the chosen numbers would get double their investment.
“In that system those picking the chits had no idea how much money was invested on each number. But using computers this can be found out. People purposely choose the numbers that have the minimum investment. This reduces their payout,” said the trader.
Explaining further he said, “If the syndicate members come to know that Rs50lakh bet was put on number 5 and Rs2 crore on number 8, they will choose number 5 as the lucky number so that payout is reduced to Rs1crore.”
