Ernie Stevens Jr., the long-time chair of the IGA, has died.

Ernie Stevens Jr., one of the most important leaders in tribal gambling, died on Friday at the age of 66.
Ernie Stevens is the chairman of the Indian Gaming Association.
On Friday, Ernie Stevens Jr., a giant in the tribal gaming business and long-time head of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), passed away.

Victor Rocha, the chair of the IGA conference, verified the news on X. There were no other details right away.

Stevens, who was 66 years old, was in his 13th term as chairman of the IGA. He was re-elected at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow in April. He got the job for the first time in 2000. During his time in office, the US tribal gambling sector developed by leaps and bounds, with revenue going from $11 billion in 2000 to more than $49 billion in 2024.

From September 8 to 10, IGA held its mid-year conference at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. It is said that Stevens went to the conference like he always does.

Before working for the IGA, Stevens was a councilman for the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin, where he was a member. His wife Cheryl, their five kids, and 15 grandkids are still alive.

Stevens Jr. is a strong supporter of Indian Country.
For many years, Stevens was one of the strongest supporters of tribal gaming and issues that affect Indian Country.

He spoke up for Native American rights in Washington, D.C., and was happy to be a supporter of tribal gaming around the world. At the first ICE Barcelona conference in February, Stevens gave a passionate speech about how US tribes are "open for business" and have evolved to be as strong as any business competitor.

Stevens' dedication to tribal issues was partly shaped by his father's legacy. Ernest Stevens Sr. fought in the Korean War with the Marine Corps. In the 1960s and 1970s, he became a well-known campaigner for Native American rights.

"My father, Ernie Stevens Sr., was more than just a father to me," the younger Stevens remarked when his father died in 2024. Many people looked up to him as a hero, a guiding light, and a symbol of strength. His deep wisdom gave people comfort and guidance, and his actions inspired those around him.  

Stevens was a former athlete and a strong speaker with a booming voice that stood out among gatherings of people in the industry.

Replacing a long-time chair at a very important time
As tribal gambling enters a critical time, IGA now has to find a new chairperson to replace the one who has been in the job the longest.

Stevens was a leader in tribal problems and generally adopted a balanced approach that underlined the need to protect tribal sovereignty while also being careful and calm when making judgements.

He said on an IGA webcast in February, "If you start throwing haymakers, that's how you get knocked out." "But you have to throw something."

Chairman Stevens is remembered by Clarion Gaming.
Stuart Hunter, the managing director of Clarion Gaming, called Stevens "a great friend of Clarion Events and ICE" and said he made sure the show met the demands of the gaming world.

Hunter stated, "He will be remembered not only as one of the strongest voices for tribal sovereignty, but also as a kind, warm person who was always there for his people."

On a personal level, I shall always remember his drive, generosity, vision, and hope with tremendous fondness. A lot of people will miss him.