IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr Passes Away

Ernie Stevens Jr., Indian Gaming Association (IGA) chairman, has passed away after more than two decades leading the organisation.

Jason Giles, Executive Director of IGA, said: “Our IGA Board and staff are stunned and saddened by Chairman Stevens passing. Out of respect for his wife Cheryl, his lovely family and the Oneida Nation, we will issue a full tribute at the appropriate time. Please send your prayers to the Stevens family.”

“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. His legacy will be unmatched, and his voice will echo for generations to come,” said Giles.

For more than two decades, as Chairman of IGA, he never wavered from the mission of advancing tribal government gaming and strengthening tribal sovereignty. Under his leadership, IGA became one of the most powerful and respected voices in Washington, D.C., tirelessly championing the rights of tribal nations and protecting the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

During his tenure, Indian gaming revenues grew from $11 billion in 2000 to a record-breaking $43.9 billion in 2024, making Tribal Government Gaming the largest segment of the U.S. gaming industry. This extraordinary achievement is a direct reflection of Stevens’ strategic vision and steadfast advocacy, working in lockstep with tribal leaders nationwide to foster the Indian gaming industry, ensuring that gaming revenues continued to fund schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development across Indian Country.