Indian Gaming Association Vice Chairman David Bean steps into interim management

The Indian Gaming Association introduced that Vice Chairman David Z. Bean has assumed the position of chairman following the sudden passing of longtime chief Ernie Stevens Jr. on Sept. 26. 

Bean will serve the rest of Stevens’ time period beneath the group’s bylaws, which direct the vice chairman to fill any emptiness within the Chairperson’s workplace, per a statement from the group. 

Stevens led the Indian Gaming Association for greater than twenty years. As beforehand reported by Tribal Business News, tribal gaming revenues grew to $43.9 billion in fiscal yr 2024 throughout his tenure, marking the fourth consecutive yr of development.

“Ernie always reminded us that ‘there is more work to do, let’s get up tomorrow and get at it,’” Bean mentioned in an announcement. “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 chief from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, has held a number of roles inside the affiliation, starting as a Northwest regional consultant earlier than serving as Vice Chairman. He now steps into the chairmanship because the group continues to confront points akin to unlawful on-line gaming operations, federal program funding and the necessity for stronger session throughout federal businesses.

Jason Giles, govt director of the Indian Gaming Association, mentioned the transition displays the group’s continued power.

“Chairman Bean embodies the same values of unity, humility and persistence that defined Chairman Stevens’ leadership,” Giles mentioned in an announcement. “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 mentioned he deliberate to proceed pursuing Stevens’ priorities as interim chairman, together with ongoing opposition to futures contracts the group has described as “effectively sports betting.” 

At challenge is a possible regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission that may enable folks to purchase and promote shares based mostly on the result of sporting occasions, much like how buyers commerce shares. A 2024 federal courtroom resolution permitting election‑based mostly contracts has fueled issues that sports activities contracts might observe, prompting sturdy opposition from tribes and the IGA, based on a report from regulation agency Foley and Lardner LLP.

Bean additionally recognized priorities akin to defending Indian well being care funding and coordinating via the Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty with the National Congress of American Indians, the United South and Eastern Tribes and different organizations.

The affiliation will maintain elections for vice chairman and treasurer at its annual tradeshow and conference in March 2026.