Linda Uphoff
Youth Gambling Specialist & Mom
LPC Associate, ICGC-I, MA, MBA, NCC
Under the supervision of Sandy Stillo, PhD, LPC-S
I help families navigate sports betting, online gambling, and problem gambling with honesty, structure, and compassion. And I didn’t learn this from a distance. I learned it up close.
THE PROBLEM IS REAL AND THE NUMBERS DON’T LIEWhy I do This Work
I came to this work through personal experience—not just professional training.
I know what it's like to wonder if you're overreacting. To tell yourself it's just sports, or it's probably a phase. And I know what it feels like when that quiet worry turns out to be something more.
That experience changed how I see sports betting and online gambling—especially how quickly it can take hold in teens and young adults, and how unprepared most families are when it does.
What stayed with me most was how isolating it felt. I didn't know who to turn to, how serious things were, or what kind of help even existed.
That's why I do this work: to help parents face these situations with more clarity, better information, and steady support—so they don't have to navigate it alone.
What I Do What I Do As a Youth Gambling SpecialistToday, most of my work revolves around helping parents help their teens and young adults navigate sports betting and gambling.
That means I :
Work with parents who are worried about their teen or college son’s sports betting and online gambling.
Help families understand the difference between “normal” betting and real problem gambling.
Support moms and dads as they set boundaries, protect their homes, and still stay connected to their sons.
Offer focused help when gambling losses, lies, and broken trust have turned life at home upside down.
Guide families through higher‑intensity support when sports betting or gambling addiction has taken over.
We go at a pace your family can handle, but we don’t pretend problem gambling is “no big deal.”
It is a big deal. And we treat it that way together.
What I Believe About Youth Gambling, Sports Betting, and Families
I believe most kids who get hooked on sports betting or online gambling are not “bad kids.” They are often good kids in a bad situation, using gambling to cope, escape, or feel powerful.
I believe parents are not to blame for everything, but they are the most powerful protectors and leaders in the home.
Facing this now – even if it feels messy and scary – is an act of love.
I believe families can heal from problem gambling. Trust can be rebuilt. Relationships can be repaired. Futures can be saved.
I also believe that ignoring youth gambling because it’s uncomfortable to face is one of the most dangerous choices we can make.
When I’m not talking about sports betting, youth gambling, and family healing, I’m usually doing the same things other moms do.
Spending time with family. Worrying about my kids. Laughing at things I probably shouldn’t. Trying to cook, and sometimes ordering takeout instead.
I share that because I want you to know: I’m not watching your family from a distance. I’m raising mine, too.
Outside of My Work With Families
You Don’t Need to Have All the Answers to Take the First Step.
Hop on a short, confidential conversation to help you understand what’s happening — and what makes sense to do next.