The bill’s approval would only be one among several steps needed for the project to advance
A new push to bring casino gaming to Northern Virginia is back in the General Assembly. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell has introduced legislation that would allow Fairfax County to host a casino, reviving a proposal that stalled during last year’s session.
The bill, labeled SB 756, was filed in the state Senate and sent to the Committee on General Laws and Technology. It mirrors Surovell’s 2025 proposal and would add Fairfax County to the list of localities eligible for a casino license.
Under the bill, any casino project would be tightly restricted to Tysons. The site would need to sit near a Silver Line Metro station, be part of a large mixed-use development, lie outside the Capital Beltway, and be close to a major regional mall.
Surovell argues the measure is needed to strengthen Fairfax County’s tax base. He says a casino-led development could generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually, easing pressure on homeowners by lowering real estate taxes.
Supporters point to a previously proposed project near the Spring Hill Metro station. That plan included entertainment space, a hotel, a convention center, housing, and retail, with the casino serving as the main revenue driver.
Local leaders remain skeptical. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted last month to oppose any casino legislation unless it is formally requested by the board. Several supervisors say a casino conflicts with the county’s long-term vision for Tysons.
County officials have also raised concerns about the state dictating a specific site, arguing it limits local control over land use decisions. Some community groups are also calling for a statewide gaming commission before expanding casino gambling.
Even if the bill advances, more hurdles remain. Voters in Fairfax County would still need to approve casino gaming through a referendum, followed by a competitive process to select an operator.
