AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has defended the league continuing its lucrative partnership with betting agency BetEasy, saying the AFL had to balance social responsibilities with financial requirements that were necessary to keep the game affordable.

The AFL signed a five-year deal with BetEasy with revised conditions over summer, while McLachlan did not accept that it was valid to draw a link between their wagering relationship and the suspension of Mapgie Jaidyn Stephenson for betting on Collingwood matches last year.

Setting the scene: AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan during the 2020 AFLW season launch. Credit:Getty Images

Anti-gambling lobbyists have charged the AFL with hypocrisy over the tough stance on players, while the league takes wagering dollars from companies in return for advertising.

McLachlan said the AFL had taken "a holistic look'' at the wagering and made changes, such as reducing (gambling) signage by 20 percent at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, noting that there were no live odds during broadcasts or in quarter breaks at games.