IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. honored for 24 years of tribal gaming leadership at Wisconsin Conference

At the Wisconsin Indian Gaming Regulatory Association Conference held July 31 at Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee, the Oneida Gaming Commission honored Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., for his 24 years of dedicated leadership and service to tribal gaming.

This event coincided with the release of the National Indian Gaming Commission's (NIGC) 2024 fiscal year report, which revealed record-breaking gross gaming revenues totaling $43.9 billion across tribal gaming operations nationwide.

Chairman Stevens was celebrated by the Oneida Gaming Commission, alongside tribal officials and industry peers, for his commitment to advancing tribal sovereignty, regulatory partnerships, and economic development through tribal gaming.

Under his leadership, the Indian Gaming Association has significantly strengthened the regulatory framework and promoted policies that empower tribal nations to govern their gaming enterprises effectively, officials noted.

At the recognition, Mark Powless, Chairman of the Oneida Gaming Commission, said: "Ernie Stevens Jr. has dedicated his life to Indian Country with unwavering commitment and passion. 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 honor his achievements and lasting legacy."

Powless added: "Ernie embodies the spirit of a fighter, literally and as a statesman; he brings the discipline, humility, and perseverance forged in the ring to his work as Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, always at the direction of the elected tribal leaders."

"In Washington, D.C., he has tirelessly defended tribal sovereignty and educated Congress, the media, and the public about the transformative power of Indian gaming. His leadership is a testament to the power of perseverance and an unyielding commitment to his people."

The honoring took place during the Wisconsin Gaming Regulatory Association (WGRA) annual conference, hosted this year at Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, WI. The WGRA, representing eleven tribal gaming commissions across Wisconsin, annually brings together tribal regulators and leaders to discuss governance, regulation, and industry growth. This year's event featured keynote speakers including former NIGC Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri and IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.

Sharon Avery, the Acting Chairwoman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, announced that the NIGC's Fiscal Year 2024 Gross Gaming Revenue report revealed a milestone for Indian gaming: $43.9 billion in total gross revenue, a $2 billion increase from 2023 and a 4.6% growth rate. The report covers data from 532 independently audited gaming operations run by 243 federally recognized tribes across 29 states. 

In his remarks at the conference, Chairman Ernie Stevens expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the progress tribal gaming has achieved and continues to expand: "I am deeply grateful to the Oneida Gaming Commission, the Potawatomi Casino, and everyone at the Wisconsin Indian Gaming Conference for this recognition.

"For 24 years, I have been honored to serve alongside tribal leaders who are dedicated to using gaming as a tool for tribal sovereignty and community prosperity. The NIGC's 2024 figures demonstrate that tribal gaming still drives jobs, healthcare, education, and vital services in our communities."

Stevens said that the success reflected in these numbers is due to strong tribal leadership, dedicated gaming professionals, regulators, and commissioners who uphold high standards and integrity in tribal gaming operations.

Despite these achievements, Chairman Stevens warned that the work is far from over. "With the current administration reviewing and using this data in policy decisions, tribes must stay engaged, assert our priorities, and protect our right to govern gaming on our lands," he said. "I remain committed to working with national tribal leaders and their teams as we build on our achievements and face the challenges ahead."