It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ernest L. “Ernie” Stevens Jr., who led the Indian Gaming Association for 24 years (2001–2025) and dedicated his life to protecting Tribal sovereignty, advancing Indian gaming, and lifting up Native communities. He passed suddenly on Friday, Sept. 26, at the age of 66.
For us at Raving and Tribal Gaming & Hospitality Magazine, this loss is deeply personal. Chairman Stevens was not only a national leader — he was our mentor, our supporter, and our friend. He guided us for over two decades, presented at our conferences, and always encouraged our work as a Native-owned company.
Anyone who has been to the Indian Gaming Tradeshow can picture him: walking the floor with his close friends and associates, stopping at as many booths as possible to thank and acknowledge associate members. And always, his family was right there with him, proudly recognized as part of his life’s work. His booming voice and presence could fill a ballroom, but what stays with us most is his generosity, his humility, and his constant reminder that relationships come first.
“What I most admired about Chairman Stevens was his deep commitment to people — his family, his tribe, and all those he touched. A proud son, husband, father, and grandfather, he showed us that business and family can be equally important. His impact and legacy will live on through the many lives he inspired.”
— Deana Scott, CEO, Raving
This spring, at the IGA conference, it will be profoundly different without his booming voice and his laughter echoing across the show floor. And in just a few weeks, October 6–9, at the Global Gaming Expo — once seen mainly as a commercial and international stage but now showcasing the mighty industry of Tribal gaming thanks in no small part to his leadership — we were looking forward to seeing him once again. His absence will be deeply felt.
Chairman Stevens helped grow Tribal gaming from $11 billion in 2000 to more than $43 billion in 2024, making it the largest segment of the U.S. gaming industry. Yet for all of his public accomplishments — from being inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame to testifying before Congress — he often said his proudest legacy was his family.
We will miss him dearly: the powerful advocate, the tireless champion, the man who always stopped to shake a hand or share a kind word. His example will continue to guide our work, our community, and our industry for generations to come.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cheryl, their children, grandchildren, and the entire Stevens family.
— The Raving & TG&H Team