In the opening scene of Episode 1 of Matka King, set in 1975, we are introduced to a man named Brij Bhatti, who is rushed to the hospital by two police officers. The men are betting on Brij's survival, a legacy he has inherited from his gambling past.
We then jump back to 1964, where Brij works as the manager for Laljibhai Chaggani, a cotton trader who also runs a gambling racket at the textile mill. The mill is a hub of activity, with laborers and daily wage workers risking their meager earnings in the hopes of striking it rich.
One day, Brij notices Rukmani, a woman who is betting Rs 50. Laljibhai gives Brij the order to ensure that Rukmani loses, so he can pocket the money. But Brij takes pity on Rukmani, who is trying to raise money for her husband's hospital treatment. He returns her original Rs 50 and warns her that the games are rigged, advising her not to return. Rukmani thanks him for his kindness.
Meanwhile, Gulrukh, a wealthy Parsi woman, visits her in-laws' house for her late husband's death anniversary. Her mother-in-law demands that she be thrown out, and she is forced to leave.
Elsewhere, Brij hires Dagdu Vichare, a disabled daily wage laborer, despite his disability. Dagdu thanks Brij for believing in him. Later that night, Brij returns home and asks Barkha about his brother Laxman (Lachu), who is missing. The couple discusses Barkha's participation in a chit fund investment, which Brij claims is rigged.
Meanwhile, Lachu, a gambling addict, is being chased by his debt collector Jinu Master and his men. He reaches home, leading them there, and Barkha is frightened.
Brij swiftly intervened to halt Jinu Master from slicing off Lachu's finger, promising to repay double the borrowed sum. Jinu Master granted them ten days to repay the debt of Rs 10,000. Overwhelmed by the impending repayment, Brij approached Laljibhai for financial assistance, yet he was met with a cold refusal. Additionally, Brij learned that his salary increment had been put on hold, leaving him in a state of disappointment.
Lachu persisted in his gambling endeavors without realizing any financial gain. Jinu Master's henchmen made Barkha feel uneasy by threatening her while she was alone.
One day, Brij ventured to the Mahalaxmi Race Course where Laljibhai was placing bets on horse races. He observed the horses and attempted to enter the VIP section where his boss was seated. Brij requested a salary increment and a loan from Laljibhai, but was insulted in front of his friends. Frustrated, Brij engaged in an argument with him and ultimately resigned from his job.
As he was escorted out, Brij tried to place a bet but was halted. On his way out, he encountered Gulrukh and asked her to bet on the first horse, claiming the jockey was well-prepared. Gulrukh was skeptical but placed the bet. Her friends ridiculed her, but she emerged victorious and earned a substantial sum of money.
Without a job, Brij took up labor at a textile mill. He spoke with Dagdu and pondered ways to swiftly earn money and bring down individuals like Laljibhai. At home, Brij borrowed Barkha's jewelry as collateral for cash. He used the money to establish a betting stall at the textile market, while Dagdu promoted it as an honest venture. Laljibhai belittled Brij's attempt when few people showed interest.
That night, the women in the apartment gathered to announce the chit fund winner. Barkha lost and was disheartened. Brij took the chit pot home and examined it, realizing the fund was rigged. He decided to take action.
The next day, Brij returned to the mill and impressed the laborers with card tricks. He allowed them to pick the winning card, which drew attention. He altered the rules to favor low-wage workers, and more people began betting at his stall. Laljibhai sent a man to place bets but lost.
As days passed, Brij introduced new betting games to attract more people. Laljibhai then sent a man to place a large bet of Rs 1,200 to break Brij's stall. The episode concluded as the deciding card was about to be drawn.
