Yes, it is very common in my country that whenever there is a funeral there will be people playing cards and gambling against each other.
I don’t know if this is common in other countries but I never really thought twice of the fact that gambling, which is usually associated with time for pleasure, can be found in a place that is so grievous.
There are several tribes in my country who usually gather to gamble at mourning events, because usually the funeral will be held a few days after death, that's where many people will gather to mourn and also gamble, it can be said to be a culture, so I don't think of it as an escape but more of a habit.
But What about you? Do you also use gambling to escape from stress of the real world?
No, I never do that, when gambling it is really done because it has been planned and not because of stress or needing an escape.
I think someone who is stressed and tries to relieve stress by gambling can make wrong decisions such as gambling without bankroll management or gambling without a target of when to stop.