A new report shows pokie gambling in New Zealand pubs and clubs, is costing the retail sector more than $400 million  a year.

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research report was commissioned by The Salvation Army and the Problem Gambling Foundation.

NZIER principal economist Sarah Hogan says the report shows what could happen if there were to be an end to class four gambling.

“It could result in more than $440-million going into the retail industry and along with that we could be looking at upwards of 1100 full time equivalent jobs.”

Hogan says those from high-depravation communities, spend three times more on pokies, than those in the least deprived areas.

She says if they were to divert that expenditure into the retail sector, they'd be supporting jobs within their community.

Listen to the audio above as Problem Gambling Foundation chief executive Paula Snowden speaks to Mike Hosking about the report.