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- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Gaming
The Indian Gaming Association announced that Vice Chairman David Z. Bean has assumed the role of chairman following the sudden passing of longtime leader Ernie Stevens Jr. on Sept. 26.
Bean will serve the remainder of Stevens’ term under the organization’s bylaws, which direct the vice chairman to fill any vacancy in the Chairperson’s office, per a statement from the organization.
Stevens led the Indian Gaming Association for more than two decades. As previously reported by Tribal Business News, tribal gaming revenues grew to $43.9 billion in fiscal year 2024 during his tenure, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth.
“Ernie always reminded us that ‘there is more work to do, let’s get up tomorrow and get at it,’” Bean said in a statement. “As the new chairman of IGA, I intend to continue on the path that Ernie laid down for over 20 years, carrying forward his dedication to protecting tribal sovereignty and advancing the interests of all tribal nations.”
Bean, a longtime leader from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, has held multiple roles within the association, beginning as a Northwest regional representative before serving as Vice Chairman. He now steps into the chairmanship as the organization continues to confront issues such as illegal online gaming operations, federal program funding and the need for stronger consultation across federal agencies.
Jason Giles, executive director of the Indian Gaming Association, said the transition reflects the organization’s continued strength.
“Chairman Bean embodies the same values of unity, humility and persistence that defined Chairman Stevens’ leadership,” Giles said in a statement. “Under his guidance, IGA will continue to build on Ernie’s legacy, protecting tribal sovereignty, promoting responsible gaming policy and ensuring that tribal governments remain strong partners in the national dialogue on economic development.”
Bean said he planned to continue pursuing Stevens’ priorities as interim chairman, including ongoing opposition to futures contracts the organization has described as “effectively sports betting.”
At issue is a potential regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission that would allow people to buy and sell shares based on the outcome of sporting events, similar to how investors trade stocks. A 2024 federal court decision allowing election‑based contracts has fueled concerns that sports contracts could follow, prompting strong opposition from tribes and the IGA, according to a report from law firm Foley and Lardner LLP.
Bean also identified priorities such as protecting Indian health care funding and coordinating through the Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty with the National Congress of American Indians, the United South and Eastern Tribes and other organizations.
The association will hold elections for vice chairman and treasurer at its annual tradeshow and convention in March 2026.
