Indian Gaming Association Mourns Sudden Passing of Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr.
Posted on: September 27, 2025, 12:47h.
Last updated on: September 27, 2025, 02:42h.
- Ernie Stevens Jr. died on Friday at the age of 66
- Stevens had led the Indian Gaming Association since 2000
The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) lost its longtime leader on Friday, as Ernie Stevens Jr. died suddenly at the age of 66.
Among the most powerful figures not only in tribal gaming but the US gaming industry as a whole, Stevens led the IGA for more than two decades. A member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Stevens was elected to chair the Indian Gaming Association in 2000. In April, he was reelected to a 13th term in the critical position.
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 Historic Growth
Founded in 1985 to advance tribal self-sufficiency through gaming, the IGA helped champion the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). IGRA laid the framework for tribal gaming, with three classes of gaming: I, II, and III. Stevens, who served on the Oneida Nation Council for seven years, was elected IGA chair in 2000.
During his tenure, Stevens helped tribal nations secure their economic sovereignties by reaching Class III gaming compacts, which include Las Vegas-like slot machines and live dealer table games, with their host states. The growth of tribal gaming compacts led to tribal gaming revenue climbing from just $11 billion in 2000 to a record $43.9 billion in 2024.
Today, 243 federally recognized tribes own 532 tribal casinos across the homeland.
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).
Before joining the IGA, Stevens was the NCAI’s first-ever vice president.
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.
The Seneca Nation told Casino.org that Stevens’ impact 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.
IGA Mission
The Indian Gaming Association represents more than 250 gaming tribes and 500 tribal casinos. IGA members support over 1.2 million jobs. The IGA continues to advance the lives of Indian peoples economically, socially, and politically.
No cause of death was given for Stevens. He leaves behind his wife, Cheryl, children Brandon, Ernest III, Margaret, Maria, and Louis, and 20 grandchildren.
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