Senate Bill 756 advances with amendment that dropped site restrictions.
TYSONS, Va. — A controversial bill that would pave the way for a casino in Fairfax County is gaining momentum in the Virginia Senate, setting up a high-stakes clash between state lawmakers eyeing new revenue and local advocates who say the project serves only special interests.
The legislation advanced to its third reading on Thursday, moving closer to a full Senate vote. While proponents initially focused on the Tysons area, the current language of the bill would allow a casino to be built anywhere in Fairfax County, provided it is part of a 1.5 million-square-foot mixed-use entertainment development.
The bill’s primary champion, State Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, argues the county is at a breaking point. Facing a $300 million budget deficit and maintaining the highest tax rate in Northern Virginia, Surovell contends that the traditional economic engines of the region are no longer sufficient.
“Fairfax County needs to come up with a different economic strategy,” Surovell said. “It’s not working anymore.”
Surovell pointed to the MGM National Harbor just across the Potomac River. He characterized the local opposition, especially from residents in McLean, Great Falls, and Reston, as “NIMBYism” (Not In My Backyard) that is “not based in reality.”
“The only thing I’ve noticed is all of the money flying over the bridge,” Surovell said, referring to Virginia tax dollars being spent in Maryland.
However, the No Fairfax Casino Coalition, which sent a group to Richmond on Thursday to lobby against the measure, tells a different story. The group cites a Freedom Virginia poll suggesting a “super majority” of Fairfax County residents oppose the project.
Lynne Mulston, a leader of the coalition, argued that the push for a casino is being driven by developers and private interests rather than a genuine community need.
“No one asked for this except the politicians who have introduced the bill and the developer who stands to profit,” Mulston said. “The economic arguments make no sense whatsoever.”
Opponents also raised alarms over increased traffic congestion and the potential for gambling addiction, arguing that the project would primarily benefit developers at the expense of residents’ quality of life.
If the bill clears the Senate, it faces an uncertain future in the House, where similar legislation stalled in subcommittee last year. However, Surovell expressed confidence that the proposal has the support necessary to pass this time around.
Should the bill be approved by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, the final decision would rest with Fairfax County voters through a referendum. As the current language stands, the county would be authorized to hold a referendum.
Late last year, the board of supervisors formally introduced a legislative agenda to oppose a casino.
Surovell claimed the amendment to remove the Tysons provision was the result of a supervisor who was hoping to appease concerns.