Tributes Honor Ernie Stevens Jr and His Legacy in Tribal Gaming After His Passing

The gaming world and Native communities are mourning the loss of Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), who passed away at the age of 66. Known for his decades of leadership, Stevens left a legacy that shaped Tribal gaming into a cornerstone of economic development across the United States.

Good to Know

• Stevens guided IGA for more than 20 years, during which U.S. Tribal gaming revenue rose from $11 billion in 2000 to $43.9 billion in 2024.
• His dedication earned him a place in the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame.
• Beyond gaming, he held roles with the Nike N7 Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club of America, and the Center for Native American Youth.

Stevens, a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, was described by the National Congress of American Indians as “a towering advocate for Tribal sovereignty and a peerless champion of Tribal gaming.” His leadership brought Native nations together and helped Tribal enterprises grow into major economic engines for communities nationwide.

Marcellus Osceola Jr., Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, said:

“The Seminole Tribe of Florida is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Ernie Stevens Jr., who worked tirelessly for more than two decades as Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. We mourn the loss of a friend who championed the sovereign rights of all Tribes to advance the livelihoods of their members through successful gaming enterprises. We pray for him and for his family, friends, co-workers and for the Oneida Nation. Florida’s Seminoles will be forever in his debt for all that he accomplished on behalf of our Tribe and Tribes throughout Indian Country.”

Tributes Across the Country

Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca also reflected on Stevens’ role:

“The Seneca Nation is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Ernie Stevens Jr. As the longtime Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, Ernie helped elevate the profile and impact of the industry for the benefit of Native Nations and our people. 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. Ernie was a warrior, a leader and a friend. His impact on the gaming industry and the many Native Nations who have strengthened their economies through gaming enterprises is beyond measure. On behalf of the Seneca Nation and all Seneca people, I extend our condolences and sorrow to Ernie’s family, as well as his Oneida Nation community. He will be missed.”

The American Gaming Association also paid tribute. President and CEO Bill Miller honored Stevens’ leadership, saying:

“Today, the American gaming industry mourns the loss of one of its most transformative and respected leaders, Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. As Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association for more than two decades, 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.”

Miller closed his message with condolences to Stevens’ family and the Oneida Nation, saying his values and vision would continue to guide the industry.

A Legacy Beyond the Casino Floor

Stevens’ influence was not confined to gaming. His service on boards such as the Nike N7 Foundation and the Center for Native American Youth reflected his dedication to broader community initiatives. Through these roles, he promoted youth development, cultural preservation, and health initiatives that extended far beyond Tribal casinos.

Over the last 25 years, Stevens became a central figure in shaping how gaming supported Tribal sovereignty. His legacy is not only the revenue growth and policy milestones but also the partnerships, respect, and opportunities that Tribal communities continue to build upon today.

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