With the NFL season underway and the baseball postseason soon to begin, online sports wagering is seeing a lot of action. But with the proliferation of gambling apps making online betting easy, the odds of financial problems are rising.

In the wake of 38 states including New York legalizing sports wagering, a new study from UCLA found “the ease of access to sports gambling is harming consumer financial health” in these states. Specifically, researchers found a “statistically significant” link between online sports betting and an increase in bankruptcies, loan delinquencies and debt collections.

Not surprisingly, researchers found financial stress in states that have legalized sports betting was highest among young men, the core audience for sports.

New Bluetooth version unveiled

The technology that controls wireless communications between devices is getting its first major update in eight years. Bluetooth 6 offers improved security and better tracking ability, a boon for Find My Devices networks from Apple, Google and other manufacturers. The organization behind Bluetooth says Bluetooth 6 provides “centimeter-level accuracy over considerable distances.” It is expected to roll out to devices next year.

Toyota to reduce EV output

Toyota is the latest automaker to scale back its electric vehicle plans. NikkeiAsia says Toyota “plans to significantly slow” its EV production to 1 million cars in 2025, about 20% less than previously forecast. Weak demand for EVs has caused other automakers including Ford and General Motors to reduce production as consumers balk at high prices and worry about a lack of charging infrastructure.

Amazon issues return-to-office mandate

Amazon is ordering workers to return to the office five days a week starting in January, a change from the current three-day-a-week requirement. The news comes as more companies pull back on remote work and crack down on enforcing return-to-office policies. As a result, some workers have pushed back with threats and protests, or even quit over the new policies. — THE WASHINGTON POST

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