The gaming industry and Indian Country are mourning influential tribal gaming leader Ernie Stevens Jr., who passed away at the age of 66 last week
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad and Papa, Ernie Stevens Jr.,” Stevens’ family wrote in a statement on Friday. “We ask for privacy at this time as our family navigates this profound loss.” Stevens leaves behind his wife of more than 45 years, Cheryl, five children and 20 grandchildren.
Stevens was a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and a former councilman of the nation.
“Ernie was an amazing man,” said Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Tasi Hill. “While he is widely known for his work in Indian Gaming, our community and many others across Turtle Island know him for his unwavering support of his family, youth programming and the pursuit of sovereignty protection. Trailblazing leaders such as Ernie pave the way for uncontested legacies and the Nation will be forever grateful for his unselfish contributions.”
A driving force for tribal gaming
At the time of his passing, Stevens was serving as chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), the organization that represents 184 Indian Nations and entities across the tribal gaming sector He was most recently re-elected in April for a 13th term.
With Stevens as IGA leader, tribal gaming revenues rose approximately quadrupled, from $11 billion in 2000 to more than $43.9 billion in 2024, and the IGA expanded its advocacy for tribal sovereignty and tribal representation in federal gaming policy.
“Ernie Stevens, Jr. was more than a chairman; he was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Country,” said IGA Executive Director Jason Giles. “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.”
‘Ernie’s impact is immeasurable’
Stevens’ leadership and influence were recognized with induction into the American Gaming Association (AGA) Gaming Hall of Fame in 2015.
“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 AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.
“Ernie’s impact is immeasurable. His induction into the Gaming Hall of Fame in 2015 was a fitting recognition of a career dedicated to uplifting tribal communities and ensuring that gaming could be a vehicle for self-determination, growth and pride. He led with wisdom, heart and deep respect for the generations before him — and a clear-eyed vision for those to come.”
‘A towering advocate, a peerless champion’
Among Stevens’ other positions, he served as the first vice president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), which advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities. In a statement, the NCAI called Stevens “a towering advocate for Tribal sovereignty and a peerless champion of Tribal gaming.”
The NCAI noted that Stevens helped lead tribal gaming to become the largest segment of the U.S. gaming industry and create hundreds of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefit to tribal communities. Stevens also led the reactivation of the IGA-NCAI Tribal Leaders Task Force in 2023.
“He believed in unity, and he proved that when Indian Country speaks with one voice, we not only win, but we make lasting change,” added NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr.
“He was a visionary who advocated for Indian gaming on an international stage, and also understood how strong oversight, integrity and partnerships were essential for tribes to extend the blessings of tribal gaming for another seven generations,” added National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Acting Chairwoman Sharon Avery.
The Oneida Nation’s flags will fly at half-staff until funeral services are completed. Stevens will be honored at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas next week, where he was scheduled to give a keynote address.
