Normally, we gamble just for fun, but in a place like that, gambling might actually be a way of survival. The odds of turning a small amount into something bigger could seem more appealing compared to just holding onto their money while its value keeps dropping every day.
Or turn it into nothing, which is far worse than the "value keeps dropping every day". I saw articles and videos in the past where people in Venezuela adapted to their situation by either exchanging their local currency for dollars or asking to be paid in dollars, which is far better than risking it on gambling.
Of course, they will adapt since it's a matter of their survival. They know that gambling isn't nearly as solid when it comes to living and surviving. I live in a Latin American country that uses two currencies. When their local currency drops, they ask to be paid in dollars, and vice versa. However, the Government demands any state-related payment (taxes, licences, etc) in their local currency, so sometimes things are tougher than they seem. That, though, doesn't stop them from gambling even $1 whenever they have it
spare in their pocket. Having a chance to win "big" will always be a solution in some people's minds and nothing can prevent this.