Ernie Stevens Jr., the longtime leader of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), passed away unexpectedly on Friday at the age of 66.
For more than 20 years, Stevens led the IGA and was one of the most influential people in the US gaming industry, not just in tribal gaming. In 2000, Stevens, a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, was chosen to serve as the Indian Gaming Association's chair. He was reelected to a 13th term in the crucial role in April.
"Ernie Stevens Jr. was more than a chairman — he was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Country. His vision and commitment built bridges across tribal nations, Congress, and federal agencies, ensuring that tribal gaming remained a cornerstone of tribal self-determination and economic growth,” said Jason Giles, executive director of the IGA.
“His legacy will be unmatched, and his voice will echo for generations to come,” Giles added.
“Ernie was a tireless and passionate advocate for Indian Country and a unifying force in advancing tribal sovereignty through gaming. His work not only helped elevate tribal government gaming into a powerful driver of economic opportunity but also shaped the broader trajectory of our industry with his unwavering commitment to collaboration, integrity, and inclusion,” said Bill Miller, president of the American Gaming Association.
Stevens oversaw the historic expansion
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was supported by the IGA, which was established in 1985 with the goal of promoting tribal self-sufficiency through gaming. With its three gaming schools (I, II, and III), IGRA established the foundation for tribal gambling. After seven years on the Oneida Nation Council, Stevens was elected chair of the IGA in 2000.
By negotiating Class III gaming compacts with their host states—which feature live dealer table games and slot machines akin to those in Las Vegas—Stevens assisted tribal nations in securing their economic sovereignty during his tenure. Tribal gaming revenue increased from a mere $11 billion in 2000 to a record $43.9 billion in 2024 as a result of the expansion of tribal gaming compacts.
Currently, 532 tribal casinos are owned by 243 federally recognized tribes throughout the country.
"For more than two decades as chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, Chairman Stevens brought together Tribal Nations, educated policymakers, and protected the rights of Tribal governments affirmed in federal law,” read a statement from the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).
Stevens served as the first vice president of the NCAI prior to joining the IGA.
"Stevens tirelessly educated the media and Congress on the fact that tribal gaming builds nations and is an essential tool in supporting healthcare, housing, education, public safety, and cultural revitalization across Indian Country. His lifetime of work and dedication to Indian Country has been recognized widely, including being inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame and through numerous national honors,” the NCAI added.
According to Casino.org, Stevens' influence is "beyond measure."
"His leadership, vision, and advocacy on behalf of the industry and nations from across the United States, and his passionate defense of sovereignty and our collective pursuit of economic opportunity and gain for our people, helped shape the economy of Indian Country over the last quarter century,” the Seneca Nation statement read.
“Ernie was a warrior, a leader, and a friend. His impact on the gaming industry and the many Native Nations that have strengthened their economies through gaming enterprises is beyond measure,” the release added.
The Mission of IGA
Over 250 gambling tribes and 500 tribal casinos are represented by the Indian gambling Association. More than 1.2 million employment are supported by IGA members. The IGA keeps improving the political, social, and economic well-being of Indians.
Stevens' cause of death was not disclosed. His wife, Cheryl, 20 grandchildren, and children Brandon, Ernest III, Margaret, Maria, and Louis are all left behind.