Gambling experts from around the world have travelled to Auckland to help develop an international framework for problem gambling.

Meanwhile, new legislation is forcing companies to look at ways to minimise the harm caused by the billion dollar industry. 

New Zealanders spent $2 billion gambling, betting or at the pokies in 2004.

Auckland's Sky City Casino is observing an Adelaide programme that has workers on the shop floor with the key job of spotting problem gambling behaviour and taking action. 

However there is no word yet on when that will be put into practice in New Zealand.

"It's very early days now...we think the rest of our programmes are very great," says Junior Toleafoa of Sky City Host Responsibility.

Canadian expert Gail White of British Colombia Lotteries says host responsibility must be taken seriously.

"If we don't conduct our business in a socially responsible way, I think we are at the mercy of the public...because the tide can turn very quickly from one of tolerance to one of intolerance," says White.
 
The government has earmarked $12 million to tackle problem gambling this financial year.