The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) joined tribal leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners from across Indian Country at the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s (NCAIED) RES 2026 Conference in Las Vegas to honor the life and legacy of Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., a longtime NCAIED Board Member and unwavering advocate for tribal economic development.

Chairman Stevens’s presence was deeply felt throughout the conference, where his decades of leadership helped shape the foundation for Native enterprise development and strengthened the connection between tribal government gaming and economic opportunity across Indian Country.

“Chairman Stevens believed that when tribal economies grow, our people thrive. He carried a vision that connected business development, sovereignty, and community. That vision is alive today at RES, where leaders and entrepreneurs are building stronger futures for our nation,” said IGA Chairman David Z. Bean.

Stevens served more than 25 years on the NCAIED Board, continuing a legacy rooted in family and service to Indian Country. His leadership reflected a deep commitment to doing what is right, uplifting communities, and ensuring that tribal economies remain strong for future generations.

During RES 2026, NCAIED Board Member Margo Gray offered a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on both the personal and professional impact Chairman Stevens had on those around him.

“As I looked around the room, I could still see Ernie. He would be moving the placards around, making sure everyone was where they needed to be. That was who he was. We were not just colleagues; we were like brother and sister,” said Gray.

Gray spoke to the sense of loss felt across the community, while also emphasizing the responsibility to carry forward his work.

“There was a shift. It felt different, it felt like something was missing. But in that moment, we knew we had to carry on. That is what he would expect of us,” Gray shared.

She also reflected on Stevens’ deep pride in his family and his roots in Indian Country, which shaped his leadership and lifelong commitment to service.

“He was proud of his family, proud of where he came from, and proud to serve our people. He believed in doing what is right and what is just, and he carried that with him every day,” Gray said.

Gray closed by reinforcing the importance of continuing Stevens’ legacy through action and unity.

“As we move forward, we do this work grounded in community, supporting our lands and our people. That is how we honor him,” she said.

Throughout RES 2026, participants are continuing Chairman Stevens’ vision by advancing Native-owned businesses, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that tribal economic development remains a cornerstone of sovereignty and self-determination.

“Ernie’s legacy is not behind us; it is in front of us. We will continue to protect tribal sovereignty and strengthen tribal government gaming as a driver of opportunity, just as he dedicated his life to doing,” Chairman Bean added.

The Indian Gaming Association stands alongside NCAIED and tribal leaders nationwide in honoring Chairman Stevens’ life, leadership, and lasting contributions to Indian Country.

The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) will honor Eddie Leon Tullis, former Tribal Chairman of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, as the recipient of the 2026 Rick Hill–Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award during the Sovereign Warrior Celebration Luncheon, which honors the legacy of tribal leaders advocating for sovereignty. This event will take place at the Chairman’s Leadership Luncheon on Tuesday, April 1, 2026, from 12:30 to 2:00 PM at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention at the San Diego Convention Center in California.

This signature luncheon gathers tribal leaders, industry partners, and honored guests for an impactful program that combines recognition, remembrance, and celebration of leadership throughout Indian Country.

“Eddie Tullis represents the very spirit of a Sovereign Warrior. His leadership secured federal recognition for his Tribe, his vision created opportunity for future generations, and his lifelong commitment to sovereignty has strengthened Indian Country as a whole. We are proud to honor him in front of tribal leaders from across the nation,” said Chairman Bean.

Chairman Bean added: “This luncheon is not only about recognition, but it is also about reflection. As we honor leaders like Eddie Tullis, we also remember those we have lost and recommit ourselves to the responsibility of protecting tribal sovereignty for generations to come.”

Eddie Leon Tullis is one of the most influential leaders in the history of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Indian Country. Born in 1938 in Mobile, Alabama, he served in the United States Navy before building a 35-year career at Monsanto.

Following the passing of Chief Calvin McGhee, Tullis stepped into leadership in the early 1970s and went on to serve as Tribal Chairman and CEO for 27 years, as well as more than four decades on the Tribal Council. He led the successful effort to secure federal recognition for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in 1984, making it the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama.

Under his leadership, the Tribe established its modern government and launched its first gaming enterprises, creating a strong economic foundation that continues to support its people today. Tullis also served in national leadership roles, including as Chairman of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, and has been widely recognized for his lifelong commitment to youth and community development.

The Chairman’s Leadership Luncheon and Sovereign Warrior Celebration remains one of the most meaningful gatherings of the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, honoring the leaders who have paved the way for tribal sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency, and the continued success of Indian gaming.

At the San Diego Convention Center, NOVOMATIC Americas advances its next chapter of linked floor expansion with a disciplined, performance-first portfolio engineered for scalable growth and measurable results. Framed within the striking atmosphere of a Neon Nile, Booth #2533 becomes a destination where structured innovation meets high-impact presentation.

At IGA (Indian Gaming Association) 2026, NOVOMATIC Americas unveils its most dynamic and performance-driven showcase to date, headlined by the expanding power of RISING TREASURES, the high engagement ULTRA BOOST 3 Treasures, and the debut of the all-new VISION LINK progressive. Anchored on the immersive DIAMOND X QUATTRO 1.55J cabinet and supported by commanding, presence-driven merchandising, the portfolio reflects a cohesive next-generation strategy designed to amplify time on device, deepen player engagement, and optimize long-term floor performance.

RISING TREASURES linked progressive series returns with renewed strength, featuring proven favorites including Book of Ra Treasure Gods, Sizzling Hot Treasure Inferno, Rise of Cleo Treasure Coins, Rise of Tut Treasure Coins, and more, all enhanced with a bold “visibility first” sign package engineered to drive attention and reinforce brand recognition across the casino floor. ULTRA BOOST 3 Treasures builds on its established momentum with Tiger Storm, Mighty Taurus, and Grand Eagle, presented in merchandising packages designed to anchor premium progressive zones and sustain high performance.

Making its exhibition debut, VISION LINK introduces engaging new themes, including Fu Flow Bao, Ghost Party, and Hot Pot, delivering dynamic bonus mechanics and a scalable progressive structure built to drive growth across tribal markets. These progressive portfolios are showcased across NOVOMATIC’s diverse cabinet lineup, including the DIAMOND X QUATTRO 1.55J, BLACK EDITION II 1.49J featuring RISING TREASURES, and the V.I.P. X Royal 1.85, presenting the VISION LINK in a premium format.

Technology partner APEX PRO Gaming complements the showcase with its premium Clover Link progressives, Clover Twist, Clover Inferno, Clover Tomb, and Clover Wave, displayed on the sleek APEX Pinnacle 43J Curve upright cabinet, reinforcing a shared commitment to elevated design and diversified premium entertainment.

The V.I.P. X Dream 3.43 cabinet features Novo Unity Pro standalone functionality, further strengthening NOVOMATIC Americas’ electronic table gaming portfolio, while the V.I.P. X Galaxy 2.65 presents a commanding blend of electronic table gaming and slot performance designed to anchor high-visibility floor space.

The expanded Novo Unity Pro solution continues to redefine electronic table gaming by seamlessly integrating live electronic games, including Sic Bo, Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack, Blackjack 3 Hand, and slots, across multiple player stations. Featured titles such as Lucky Lady’s Roulette and Going for Gold highlight the brand’s ability to merge immersive presentation with operational efficiency, and to pair scalable technology with market-leading technical service and support.

“IGA 2026 reflects the momentum we are building at NOVOMATIC Americas. Our focus is disciplined innovation, expanding proven product lines, introducing scalable progressive platforms, and delivering technology operators can rely on. We are strengthening our performance footprint in tribal gaming with solutions designed for long term growth,” said Jakob Rothwangl, Managing Director of NOVOMATIC Americas.