IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., honoured following his passing

IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., honoured following his passing

Summary

Ernie Stevens, Jr., the long-serving chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), has died aged 66 after a sudden medical emergency in Wisconsin. Stevens served 12 two-year terms as IGA chair and earlier was an elected Oneida Nation councilman. Under his leadership the IGA became a powerful voice in Washington, D.C., and tribal gaming revenues grew from $11 billion in 2000 to $43.9 billion in 2024 — funds that supported schools, healthcare, infrastructure and wider community development across Indian Country.

Leaders across the tribal and commercial gaming sectors — including the IGA, the American Gaming Association (AGA), the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and the Oneida Nation — paid tribute, calling him a warrior, bridge-builder and mentor. Plans for funeral services and further announcements are pending; the Oneida Nation will fly flags at half-staff and Stevens will be honoured at the upcoming Global Gaming Expo.

Key Points

• Ernie Stevens, Jr. served as IGA chairman for 12 two‑year terms and died suddenly at 66.
• Tribal gaming revenues rose from $11bn (2000) to $43.9bn (2024) during his leadership, making tribal gaming the largest US gaming segment.
• Stevens was widely recognised for defending tribal sovereignty and protecting the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
• Peers praised him as a warrior and statesman; he was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame in 2015.
• Tributes came from IGA, AGA, NIGC, the Oneida Nation and many industry figures highlighting his bridge‑building and mentorship.
• He was known for supporting communities beyond casinos — attending clinic and gym openings and backing youth programmes and family initiatives.
• Oneida Nation flags will fly at half‑staff; funeral arrangements are expected by the end of the week and he will be honoured at G2E.

Why should I read this?

Short version: this matters. Ernie Stevens shaped tribal gaming policy, grew an industry that funds vital community services, and built bridges between tribal and commercial interests. If you follow gaming, tribal affairs, or industry policy, his passing is a major moment — and this summary gives you the essentials without trawling the tributes yourself.

Source

Source: https://cdcgaming.com/iga-chairman-ernie-stevens-jr-honored-following-his-passing/