MILWAUKEE, WI – At the Wisconsin Gaming Regulatory Association Conference at Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee, the Oneida Gaming Commission honored Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., for his 24 years of dedicated leadership and service to tribal gaming. The 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.
“Ernie Stevens Jr. has dedicated his life to Indian Country with unwavering commitment and passion,” said Mark Powless, Chairman of the Oneida Gaming Commission. “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 (NIGC), announced that the NIGC’s fiscal year 2024 gross gaming revenue report revealed an unprecedented milestone for Indian gaming: $43.9 billion in total gross revenue, a $2 billion increase from fiscal year 2023, and a 4.6% growth rate. This growth underscores the industry’s resilience and its ongoing economic importance to tribal communities.
Gaming revenues are critical to tribal nations, often comprising about 90% of total tribal government revenue. These funds support essential services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and community programs, vital components for fostering self-sufficiency and improving quality of life on reservations.
The report covers data from 532 independently audited gaming operations run by 243 federally recognized tribes across 29 states, reflecting the broad and diverse impact of tribal gaming nationwide.
In his remarks at the conference, Chairman Stevens expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the significant 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 acknowledged 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 emphasized 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.”
He stressed the importance of educating policymakers about tribal sovereignty and the broad impact of cuts or regulatory changes that could harm Native communities beyond just gaming enterprises. “We have to work with this administration and do our best to educate and inform them about who we are, so they understand tribal government gaming and its responsibilities to tribal communities,” said Stevens. “I’m not going to disrespect anybody, but I will stand up to anyone who challenges tribal sovereignty or our efforts in education, health, and welfare. I intend to speak to them as a gentleman and a warrior. I will be strong for Indian Country. That’s our battle right now.”
Chairman Stevens also reaffirmed his dedication to advancing tribal interests. “For 24 years, I’ve stayed committed, and I plan to maintain this focus moving forward. Together, we’ll push our proactive agenda and stand united as Indian Country to defend tribal sovereignty at all costs. I promised I would give my all, day in and day out, to support tribal government gaming efforts. It’s an honor to be your messenger, amplifying the voices of our elected tribal officials, and I’ll carry your message with pride and purpose.”
The recognition of Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., coupled with record-breaking tribal gaming revenues in 2024, highlights a period of historic growth and resilience for Indian gaming. As tribal nations continue navigating complex political landscapes under the current administration, sustained advocacy and education remain paramount to preserving tribal sovereignty and ensuring continued economic prosperity for Native communities.
Chairman Stevens also presented awards from the Indian Gaming Association to regulators and commissioners selected by their peers at the conference. IGA honorees include Mary Kay Merrill, former Chairwoman of the St. Croix Gaming Commission; Ivory Kelly of Oneida, founder and CEO of the Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming; and Kyle Thundercloud, surveillance operator with the Forest County Potawatomi Gaming Commission. This peer-based recognition made the awards especially meaningful, demonstrating the community’s deep appreciation for leadership, integrity, and service.
“From the earliest days of tribal government gaming, our commissioners and regulators have been the steadfast guardians of this industry, protecting its integrity, upholding fair play, and preserving tribal sovereignty so our communities can thrive for generations,” said Stevens. “Recognizing these leaders emphasizes the important role they’ve played from the beginning in ensuring strong oversight and the long-term health of tribal gaming.”
