Northern Virginia casino bill introduced, targeting Tyson

Posted: January 8, 2025, 11:41 pm.

Last updated: January 8, 2025, 11:51 pm.

Legislation allowing a casino in Northern Virginia has again been introduced in the Richmond capital, Tysons. However, this year the measure has a new, more powerful primary sponsor.

On Tuesday, Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) filed Senate Bill 982. The measure seeks to qualify a specific area within Fairfax County as an acceptable location for a commercial casino. Currently, casinos with slot machines, live dealer table games and sports betting can only operate in Portsmouth, Bristol, Norfolk, Danville and Petersburg.

SB982 seeks to initiate a countywide referendum asking voters if they support a casino within one-quarter of a mile of a Spring Hill Metro station. Surovel's legislation has been directed to the Senate Committee on General Law and Technology for initial consideration.

comstock has big dreams

Marsden began exploring bringing a casino to Northern Virginia in partnership with regional real estate developer Comstock Companies. Marsden & Comstock CEO Chris Clemente believes Fairfax is approaching a property tax crisis and a casino, hotel and convention center would help ease the rising rates on homeowners.

In conjunction with Suroval resuming the Nova casino legislative fight, Comstock unveiled his vision for what a casino could look like in the region. Comstock suggests building a massive mixed-use development spanning eight million square feet on 35 acres.

The development blueprint also includes residential apartments, retail shopping, restaurants and bars, outdoor public greenspace and an immersive theater. Comstock says it will partner with a casino operator to run the hotel and gaming facility. Renderings of the casino component give a glimpse of Wynn Resorts' signature curved hotel.

the chances are long

Surovell and Comstock's eagerness faced strong opposition, including from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Many homeowners associations, local municipal governments, and former federal employees have also expressed hostility toward casinos.

MGM Resorts will likely lobby against SB982 to protect its interests in neighboring Maryland, where it operates MGM National Harbor across the Potomac River.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff Mackey (D), a lifelong resident of the county, says local leaders are against the casino. Supervisors have dedicated a section of the county's website to the casino push.

Tyson is not declining, he is growing. The casino bill is a distraction that should never impact the most valuable real estate in the Commonwealth. It also creates uncertainty that could make it more challenging to attract additional major employers,” the observers wrote.

“Fairfax County has an ambitious, community-supported comprehensive plan for the transit station areas around all Silver Line stations. A casino is not in those plans, and shameless attempts by developers and casino operators to procure the necessary government approvals are a fool’s errand at worst, and unethical at worst,” the statement concluded.