During the Wisconsin Indian Gaming Regulatory Association Conference on July 31 at Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee, the Oneida Gaming Commission honored Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. for his 24 years of committed leadership in tribal gaming.
This event also marked the unveiling of the National Indian Gaming Commission’s (NIGC) fiscal year 2024 report, which disclosed unprecedented gross gaming revenues amounting to $43.9 billion from tribal gaming activities across the country.
The Oneida Gaming Commission celebrated Chairman Stevens, together with tribal leaders and industry colleagues, for his relentless advocacy for tribal sovereignty, regulatory collaboration, and economic growth through tribal gaming.
According to officials, under his guidance, the Indian Gaming Association has fortified the regulatory infrastructure and championed initiatives that empower tribal nations to autonomously manage their gaming ventures.
At the recognition ceremony, Mark Powless, Chairman of the Oneida Gaming Commission, stated: “Ernie Stevens Jr. has devoted his life to Indian Country with steadfast commitment and passion. From sports arenas to the boardroom, he exemplifies strength, vision, and perseverance that uplift tribes across the nation. His leadership has significantly advanced tribal gaming and empowered tribal governments, and we proudly acknowledge his remarkable contributions and enduring legacy.“
Powless continued: “Ernie personifies the essence of a fighter, both in spirit and in governance; he channels the discipline, humility, and perseverance forged from his athletic career into his chairmanship of the Indian Gaming Association, always aligning with elected tribal leaders’ directives.”
In Washington, D.C., he has consistently advocated for tribal sovereignty, informing Congress, the media, and the public about the transformative effects of Indian gaming. His leadership stands as a powerful example of resilience and unwavering dedication to his community.“
The recognition occurred during the annual Wisconsin Gaming Regulatory Association (WGRA) Conference, held this year at Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, WI. The WGRA, which represents eleven tribal gaming commissions in Wisconsin, annually gathers tribal regulators and leaders to discuss industry governance and growth. This year’s agenda included keynote speeches from former NIGC Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri and IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.
Sharon Avery, the Acting Chairwoman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, disclosed that the NIGC’s Fiscal Year 2024 Gross Gaming Revenue report marked a historic milestone for Indian gaming: $43.9 billion in overall gross revenue, a $2 billion increase from 2023 and indicating a growth rate of 4.6%. This report encapsulates data from 532 independently audited gaming operations managed by 243 federally recognized tribes across 29 states.
During his address at the conference, Chairman Ernie Stevens expressed his sincere appreciation for the accolade and highlighted the progress and expansion tribal gaming has realized: “I am profoundly thankful to the Oneida Gaming Commission, Potawatomi Casino, and all participants at the Wisconsin Indian Gaming Conference for this recognition.
“For 24 years, I have had the privilege to work alongside tribal leaders dedicated to leveraging gaming as a mechanism for fostering tribal sovereignty and community well-being. The NIGC’s 2024 metrics affirm that tribal gaming continues to generate jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services within our communities.“
Stevens acknowledged that the achievements represented in these figures result from robust tribal governance, skilled gaming professionals, and commissioners who sustain high standards of integrity within tribal gaming operations.
Despite these accomplishments, Chairman Stevens cautioned that the effort remains ongoing. “With the current administration assessing and utilizing these figures in policy developments, tribes must actively engage, assert our objectives, and defend our authority to regulate gaming on our territories,” he remarked. “I am committed to collaborating with national tribal leaders as we capitalize on our successes and navigate upcoming challenges.”