XLMedia PLC (AIM:XLM, OTC:XLMDF) is to be the exclusive provider of sports betting content for cleveland.com, the premier Ohio news and information website. The global digital performance publisher got the gig by entering into a media partnership with Advance Local. Cleveland.com represents XLMedia’s largest media partner to date, offering key US and regional coverage by capitalising on the brand’s massive Ohio-based audience – a state that is slated to legalise mobile betting before the end of this year. XLMedia said the deal provides cleveland.com advanced abilities to capture new revenue streams. XLMedia will focus on creating highly engaging content related to sports betting across leagues like NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, UFC, NCAA sports and more. The XLMedia team will also manage commercial deals with regulated sportsbook operators, and execute proven monetisation strategies built upon years of industry expertise. “The timing couldn’t be more perfect ahead of Ohio’s anticipated statewide sports betting launch later this year,” said Cody Darwick, the director of media partnerships at XLMedia. Darwick said the deal represents a major step in the group’s strategic efforts to strike media partnerships with premium North American publishers looking to capitalise on the fast-growing online sports betting industry.