Even if approved by lawmakers, the proposal would still require a voter referendum
A proposal that could allow a casino in Tysons cleared another hurdle this week in the Virginia Senate. A subcommittee voted 5–3 to advance legislation that would have added Fairfax County to the list of locations eligible for a casino, reviving a plan that stalled last year.
The bill, SB 756, was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell and now heads to the full Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology. That panel will decide whether to send it to the full Senate for debate. The measure mirrors legislation that failed during the 2025 session.
Under the proposal, any casino in Fairfax County would be limited to Tysons and tied to a mixed-use development near a Silver Line Metro station. The site would also need to sit outside the Capital Beltway. Some lawmakers questioned why the bill narrows the location so specifically.
Surovell argued the state has a financial stake in seeing development along the Silver Line corridor after investing billions in Metro expansion. He also said Tysons offers a location far enough from MGM National Harbor to avoid market overlap while still maximizing tax revenue.
Supporters framed the casino as a way to address weakening commercial property values and future budget gaps. Surovell pointed to high office vacancy rates and stalled development, saying new revenue could support schools and county services.
Opposition remains strong at the local level. Fairfax County officials reiterated their stance against the bill, saying it bypasses local land-use authority. Community groups criticized the vote as rushed and warned the casino would clash with Tysons’ long-term plans.
Town leaders from nearby communities raised concerns about safety, traffic, and impacts on charitable gaming. Others called for an independent study on the economic effects before lawmakers move forward.
