Ernie Stevens Jr. served as Chairman and National Spokesperson of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) in Washington, D.C. He led the group for more than two decades. Over that time, he became the best-known voice of tribal government gaming in the United States.
Stevens died on September 26, 2025, at age 66. Just months earlier, in April 2025, member tribes had re-elected him as chairman.
Ernie Stevens Jr. at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Ernest L. Stevens Jr. |
| Tribal nation | Oneida Nation of Wisconsin |
| Best known role | Chairman and National Spokesperson, Indian Gaming Association |
| Time as chairman | More than 20 years, until 2025 |
| Hall of Fame | American Gaming Association Gaming Hall of Fame (2015) |
| Successor | David Z. Bean, Puyallup Tribe of Indians |
| Died | September 26, 2025, age 66 |
Early Life and Background
Stevens learned about tribal sovereignty from his mother. He learned about public service from his father, Ernie Stevens Sr., a Korean War veteran. Stevens Sr. served on a federal task force that helped shape tribal self-determination policy.
Stevens kept the “Jr.” in his name for life to honor his father. Before politics, he made his name in the boxing ring.
- He co-founded the Soaring Eagle Boxing Club in Oneida in 1975, at age 16
- He won four straight state heavyweight titles from 1976 to 1979
- He won two national heavyweight titles, in 1977 and 1978
Stevens valued education and kept learning throughout his career. He earned three degrees:
- Associate degree, Haskell Indian Junior College (1983)
- Bachelor’s in criminal justice, Mount Senario College (1996)
- Master’s in management, University of Phoenix (2021)
Major Achievements
Stevens built his career around protecting tribal sovereignty. Sovereignty is a tribe’s right to govern itself, including how it runs gaming on its own land.
- Record revenue growth: Tribal gaming revenue grew from $11 billion in 2000 to $43.9 billion in fiscal year 2024
- Defending federal law: He fought for decades to block harmful changes to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. This federal law lets tribes run casinos
- Tribal self-regulation: He argued that tribes, not federal agencies, should oversee their own internal gaming controls
- Early online gaming warnings: He warned lawmakers that online gaming could cut into tribal revenue and weaken state compacts
A compact is a formal deal between a tribe and a state. Many compacts give tribes exclusive rights to offer certain games, which is why online expansion mattered so much to him.
Tribal Gaming Timeline Under Stevens
| Year | Milestone |
| 1988 | Congress passes the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act |
| 2000 | Tribal gaming revenue reaches $11 billion |
| 2015 | Inducted into the AGA Gaming Hall of Fame |
| 2024 | Tribal gaming revenue hits $43.9 billion |
| 2025 | Re-elected in April; dies in September |
Awards and Recognition
- American Gaming Association Gaming Hall of Fame, 2015
- National Indian Athletic Association Hall of Fame, 2008
- North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame, 2022
- Lifetime member, American Indian Higher Education Consortium Alumni Association, 2013
Employment and Leadership Roles
IGA member tribes elect the chairman to two-year terms. In April 2025, he ran unopposed and won re-election by acclamation. As chairman, he spoke for the industry before Congress, the media, and the public.
He also helped shape policy that affected tribal casinos nationwide. Before joining the IGA, he served as an elected councilman for the Oneida Nation from 1993 to 1999. He was also First Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).
Stevens held seats on several boards:
- National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, for more than 25 years
- Nike N7 Foundation
- Center for Native American Youth, executive board
- Boys and Girls Club of America, Native American Advisory Board
Programs and Initiatives
The IGA offers training for its members. Topics include regulation, internet gaming, and other specialized subjects.
Stevens also created the Matriarchs of Indian Gaming award. It honors Native women whose leadership helped build tribal gaming. The IGA presented it again in 2026.
Interviews and Public Speeches
Stevens rarely turned down a request to speak. He traveled to tribal events and ceremonies across the country, especially to talk about sovereignty and Indian gaming.
In the late 1990s, he and his daughter Lois testified on Native mascots and racism. Longtime colleague Victor Rocha estimated that Stevens logged nearly 3.5 million air miles on the job.
Legacy and Who Leads the IGA Now
Vice Chairman David Z. Bean of the Puyallup Tribe became chairman in October 2025. IGA bylaws let him serve out the rest of Stevens’ term. Bean has said he plans to run for a full term in April 2027.
In April 2026, the IGA opened its annual membership meeting with a tribute to Stevens. His grandchildren performed a Smoke Dance, and tribal leaders honored his decades of service.
The IGA says tribal government gaming is now the largest segment of the US gaming industry. Under Bean, the IGA has also taken a firm stand against online sweepstakes and prediction market platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ernie Stevens Jr.?
He was the longtime Chairman and national spokesperson of the Indian Gaming Association. He was a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin.
Is Ernie Stevens Jr. still IGA Chairman?
No. Stevens died on September 26, 2025. David Z. Bean now serves as IGA Chairman.
How long did Ernie Stevens Jr. lead the IGA?
He led the association for more than 20 years, until his death in 2025.
How much did tribal gaming grow under his leadership?
Revenue rose from $11 billion in 2000 to $43.9 billion in fiscal year 2024.
What is the Indian Gaming Association?
The IGA is a nonprofit group of tribal nations based in Washington, D.C. It advocates for tribal gaming before Congress and federal agencies.
Was Ernie Stevens Jr. a boxer?
Yes. He won four state heavyweight titles and two national heavyweight titles as a young man.
