American Tribal gaming leader and legend, “warrior” Ernie Stevens Jr. was laid to rest at the weekend.
The towering 6ft 7in Ernie, who died on Friday, September 26, aged 66, was interred at the Oneida Sacred Burial Grounds Cemetery in his home state of Wisconsin on Saturday, October 4.
Ernie, who I had the pleasure of meeting at this year’s ICE in Barcelona, was an indubitable star of the wider U.S gambling industry, not just Native American gaming.
He leaves a legacy that has reshaped Tribal sovereignty, economics and gambling.
Tribal leaders from across the nation gathered to honour a man widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern Tribal gaming.
Ernie Stevens Jr. cut quite the character. And I consider myself fortunate enough to have met with him earlier this year at the ICE Tribal Partnership Seminar in Barcelona.
He filled the room with warmth and humour, sharing stories of his experiences in the city with a characteristic wit.
A tireless advocate for Tribal sovereignty and a skilled statesman, he had a special way of making everyone feel instantly welcome – a skill honed over years of his political career.
Born in 1959, Ernie grew up as a proud member of the Oneida Nation, Wisconsin.
After graduating from Haskell Indian Nations University–he would later go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Mount Senario College in 1996 and a master’s in Management from the University of Phoenix in 2021–, he developed an early passion for advocacy and community service.
Before taking the helm at the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) in 2000–a career-defining position–Ernie worked with the National Congress of American Indians and served as a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C., where he built the political expertise and relationships that would later help shape his leadership.
As Chair of the IGA, Ernie was both a leader and a bridge-builder.
And his record speaks for itself.
First elected in 2000, he went on to be re-elected, serving an unprecedented 13 consecutive terms, guiding the IGA for nearly a quarter of a century.
Under his leadership, Tribal gaming transformed, generating record-breaking growth–from US$11 billion (£8.16bn) in 2000 to US$43 billion (£31.9bn) in 2024–and became a powerful force for economic development.
Ernie was inducted into the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Hall of Fame in 2015 and served on numerous boards and advisory councils.
Earlier in his life, he was also an accomplished boxer, co-founding the Soaring Eagle Boxing Club at the age of 16 and winning multiple state and national heavyweight titles, a discipline that friends say shaped his resilience and fighting spirit.
Warrior, Statesman, Diplomat
Tributes have poured in for the Native American leader.
Ernie is remembered fondly by all who met and worked with him.
Jason Giles, Executive Director of the Indian Gaming Association, said: “Ernie was more than a chairman. He was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Country.
“His vision and commitment built bridges across tribal nations, Congress, and federal agencies, ensuring that tribal gaming remained a cornerstone of tribal self-determination and economic growth.
“His legacy will be unmatched, and his voice will echo for generations to come.”
Phil Hogen, a former longtime National Indian Gaming Commissioner, commented: “At a time when the Indian Gaming Industry was experiencing exponential growth and challenges, it needed a dynamic and visionary leader. They found one in Ernie Stevens, and Tribes and Indian communities are so much better off on account of Ernie’s leadership.
“He will be sorely missed.”
Champion and Fighter
Personal friend and Chair of the Oneida Gaming Commission, Mark Powless, remembered Ernie’s fierce character and unwavering vision: “From the boxing ring to the boardroom, in his career, he has demonstrated strength, vision, and resilience that uplift tribal communities nationwide.
“His leadership has advanced tribal gaming and empowered tribal governments, and we are proud to honour his achievements and lasting legacy.”
Mark Macarro, President of the National Congress of American Indians, added that Ernie had a relentless drive to stay in the fight that made others line up to follow:
“We all fell in behind him and picked it up. He showed us what leadership is, what it could be, and what it should be. He set a high bar.”
Beyond the Indian nations, the wider gambling industry has also marked his passing.
Bill Miller of the AGA called Ernie a “transformative and respected leader”, saying his impact was immeasurable and that “he led with wisdom, heart, and deep respect for the generations before him and a clear vision for those to come”.
Despite his long list of political and professional accolades, Ernie considered one of his greatest achievements his family.
He is survived by his best friend and wife of 45-years, Cheryl Stevens, five children, and 20 grand-children.
