Ernie Stevens Jr., a prominent figure in the tribal gaming sector and long-serving chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), passed away on Friday. Victor Rocha, the IGA conference chair, confirmed the news on X, though no further details have been shared at this time.
At 66 years old, Stevens was in his 13th term as IGA chairman, having been re-elected during the Indian Gaming Tradeshow in April. He first assumed the role in 2000. Under his leadership, the U.S. tribal gaming industry experienced tremendous growth, with revenue rising from $11 billion in 2000 to over $49 billion in 2024.
Recently, IGA held its mid-year conference from September 8-10 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota, where Stevens was present as usual. Before his work with the IGA, he served as a councilman for the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin, his home tribe. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, their five children, and 15 grandchildren.
For decades, Stevens was a significant advocate for tribal gaming and Indian Country issues, representing Native American interests in Washington D.C. He passionately spoke about how U.S. tribes are 'open for business' and competitive with commercial entities during his address at the inaugural ICE Barcelona conference in February.
His commitment to tribal causes was heavily influenced by his father, Ernest Stevens Sr., a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War and a notable Native rights activist in the 1960s and 1970s. Following his father’s passing in 2024, Stevens Jr. expressed, 'My father embodied more than just a paternal figure to me. He stood as a hero, a guiding light and a symbol of resilience for many individuals. His profound wisdom provided solace and direction, while his deeds ignited motivation among those in his circles.'
An accomplished former athlete, Stevens was known for his confident speaking style and commanding voice, which resonated throughout industry gatherings.
As IGA now seeks to appoint a new chair, it faces a vital time for tribal gaming. Stevens, who was often at the heart of tribal issues, maintained a balanced approach that underscored the importance of tribal sovereignty while advocating decisiveness. 'If you start throwing haymakers, that’s how you get knocked out,' he remarked during a February IGA webinar. 'But you gotta throw something.'
Stuart Hunter, managing director of Clarion Gaming, paid tribute to Stevens, calling him 'a great friend of Clarion Events and ICE' and noting his commitment to ensuring the event met the needs of the gaming community. Hunter added, 'He will be remembered not only as one of the most powerful voices for tribal sovereignty, but also as a person of kindness, warmth, with an unshakable commitment to his people. On a personal level, I will remember with great affection his drive, his generosity, his vision and his optimism. He will be greatly missed.'
