Washington, D.C. — On September 26, 2025, the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) announced the unexpected passing of its longtime chairman, Ernie Stevens Jr. Stevens led the association for over twenty years, during which tribal gaming revenues increased from $11 billion in 2000 to a record $43.9 billion in 2024. As a staunch advocate for tribal sovereignty and economic development, he played a key role in reinforcing the protections of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Ernie Stevens Jr. honored after 24 years at the helm of tribal gaming
Jason Giles, executive director of the IGA, described Stevens as “more than a chairman; he was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Country.” Giles highlighted his enduring influence, stating, “His vision and commitment built bridges across tribal nations, congress, and federal agencies, ensuring tribal gaming remained a cornerstone of tribal self-determination and economic growth.”
Enacted in 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) provides legal protections that empower tribes to operate gaming establishments on tribal lands while promoting self-governance and economic independence. Stevens’ leadership was instrumental in safeguarding these frameworks amid continuing regulatory challenges and evolving federal oversight.
Economically, Stevens’ tenure coincided with significant expansion in tribal gaming’s share of the U.S. gaming industry, enabling reinvestments in tribal infrastructure, education, healthcare, and community development. This growth reinforced tribal sovereignty and fostered economic stability across numerous Native American nations.
As the Indian Gaming Association faces the loss of its chairman, the organization stands at a crossroads that will test whether its leadership transition will sustain the industry’s resilient foundation or create uncertainties for the future of tribal gaming regulation.
