The No Fairfax Casino Coalition and the Tysons Stakeholders Alliance don’t want a local casino
Two of Fairfax County’s most vocal anti-casino groups have joined forces to push back against efforts to bring a casino to northern Virginia. The No Fairfax Casino Coalition and the Tysons Stakeholders Alliance recently co-hosted a webinar for residents, outlining their concerns about state legislation expected in 2026. Both groups argue the casino push comes from developers and lawmakers, not local voters.
Speakers at the event included community leaders and advocacy heads, who stressed that past attempts to legalize a Tysons casino have been defeated thanks to grassroots resistance. Paula Martino of the Tysons Stakeholders Alliance recalled how citizen pressure helped stop earlier bills in 2023 and 2024. Still, she warned that legislators plan to bring the issue back again.
The financial debate took center stage during the webinar. Supporters of the casino claim it could generate $1.2 billion in annual revenue and millions in tax dollars. But critics like Andy Pavord argued those figures are inflated and ignore risks. He noted that many casinos nationwide struggle to meet revenue projections, especially outside traditional hubs like Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Concerns also extend beyond money. Sally Horn of the Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition said a casino could worsen already severe traffic congestion, pointing out that Tysons is consistently ranked among the nation’s worst for commuters. She also raised alarms over public safety, citing research linking casinos to increased crime and problem gambling.
Horn emphasized that casinos often promote low-wage hospitality jobs that fall below Fairfax County’s cost of living standards. She argued that promises of good-paying, permanent employment are misleading. She also stressed the dangers of gambling addiction, calling it a growing behavioral health crisis in Virginia.
Claudia Diamond closed the event by encouraging residents to stay active and voice their concerns to lawmakers. She confirmed that both groups have been invited to testify at an upcoming legislative meeting in Richmond, where casino legislation will once again be discussed.
