Industry mourns the passing of IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr
Seneca Nation and the AGA have both released statements on his recent passing.
Key Points
- IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr has passed away age 66
- Tribal and gaming entities from across the industry have paid tribute to his life’s work
- He spent over 20 years as IGA President, re-elected to serve 13 terms
Following the news of the passing of Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr at 66 years of age, tributes from across the industry have begun to pour in.
Stevens was a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and has been described by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) as a ‘towering advocate for Tribal sovereignty and a peerless champion of Tribal gaming.’ Stevens spent over two decades as Chairman of IGA, during which time Tribal gaming revenues in the US rose from $11bn annually in 2000 to $43.9bn 2024. His lifetime’s worth of work towards the Tribal gaming community also earned him recognition in the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Gaming Hall of Fame.
Elsewhere, outside of gaming Steven’s contributions saw him serve on boards including the Nike N7 Foundation, the Center for Native American Youth and the Boys & Girls Club of America.
AGA President and CEO, Bill Miller, released the following statement mourning his loss, “Today, the American gaming industry mourns the loss of one of its most transformative and respected leaders, Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.
“As Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association for more than two decades, Ernie was a tireless and passionate advocate for Indian Country and a unifying force in advancing tribal sovereignty through gaming. 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.”
Miller concluded, “On behalf of the American Gaming Association, our members, and the entire gaming community, I extend our deepest condolences to the Stevens family, the Indian Gaming Association, and all those whose lives Ernie touched. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we work to honor the values he championed so well.”
Good to know: Ernie Stevens Jr. was re-elected for his 13th term as Chairman of IGA in April 2025
Also speaking on Stevens Jr’s impact both in and out of the Tribal gaming community, Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca, said, “The Seneca Nation is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Ernie Stevens Jr. As the longtime Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, Ernie helped elevate the profile and impact of the industry for the benefit of Native Nations and our people.
“His leadership, vision and advocacy on behalf of the industry and Nations from across the United States, and his passionate defense of sovereignty and our collective pursuit of economic opportunity and gain for our people, helped shape the economy of Indian Country over the last quarter century.
“Ernie was a warrior, a leader and a friend. His impact on the gaming industry and the many Native Nations who have strengthened their economies through gaming enterprises is beyond measure. On behalf of the Seneca Nation and all Seneca people, I extend our condolences and sorrow to Ernie’s family, as well as his Oneida Nation community. He will be missed.”
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