MILWAUKEE — The tribal gaming industry threw a standing ovation for one of its longest-serving leaders last week, as Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), was honored at the Wisconsin Indian Gaming Regulatory Association (WIGRA) Conference for an unprecedented 24 years of leadership.
The timing of the tribute couldn’t have been better. Just hours earlier, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) released its annual figures, reporting $43.9 billion in gross gaming revenue for 2024, the highest ever for tribal casinos nationwide. That number represents a $2 billion jump from 2023, proof that Indian Country remains a powerhouse in the U.S. gaming market.
For Stevens, the recognition was less about numbers and more about people. Known for his humble style, he’s spent over two decades lobbying in Washington, making sure lawmakers and regulators respect tribal sovereignty while tribal casinos fund schools, clinics, and jobs back home. “This isn’t just about casinos,” he told the crowd, “it’s about keeping our communities strong.”
Colleagues painted a bigger picture. Mark Powless, head of the Oneida Gaming Commission, described Stevens as a fighter who carried discipline from the boxing ring into boardrooms. “He’s been in our corner for 24 years, and we wouldn’t be where we are without him,” Powless said. Industry watchers say Stevens’ run is historic. In an era where leadership tenures rarely last a decade, his 24-year stretch has guided tribal gaming from a fragmented sector into a $40-plus billion juggernaut that rivals Las Vegas.
As one insider quipped on the sidelines of the conference, “In this business, casinos rise and fall, but Ernie Stevens Jr. has been the house that always wins.” Diamond Mundo Video debo comprar.
