As the Virginia legislative session gets set to resume, the debate over a bill that would allow a casino to be built in Fairfax County, specifically in Tysons, is gaining momentum.
Supporters and detractors are rallying and organizing meetings for the bill, which was postponed to the 2025 session before being reintroduced over the summer. SB675 proposes adding Fairfax County, where Tysons is located, to the list of eligible locations for a casino.
The process to restart the discussion of this bill could begin in the next week or two, but it is more likely to occur in the 2025 General Assembly session. As of now, no legislation has been filed for 2025.
If a bill passes and becomes law, Fairfax County voters would still need to approve the casino through a referendum. For a casino to be built in Fairfax County, it must meet these guidelines:
- Be within a quarter mile of a Metro Silver Line station.
- Be part of a mixed-use development.
- Be outside the flight path of Dulles Airport.
- Be within two miles of a large shopping area with at least 1.5 million square feet.
- Be outside the Interstate 495 Beltway.
This is where it gets tricky, because these requirements effectively limit potential casino sites to Tysons, as the location must be part of a mixed-use development, outside the Capital Beltway (I-495), on the Silver Line and close to a major mall.
No Casino Coalition Rallies Against Tysons Casino
The No Casino Coalition held a meeting this week for people who don't want a casino in Tysons.
State Senator Jennifer Boysko, who is against the casino, spoke at the meeting. She's already told other lawmakers that they should drop the idea because many of her constituents are against it. People who oppose the casino are worried it could lead to more crime, gambling problems and a sense that their voices aren't being heard.
Advocates for the project envision a luxury hotel and casino, a convention center, restaurants, retail spaces and workforce housing — all largely built and operated by union laborers.
Supporters say the project would generate roughly 5,000 construction and hospitality jobs and at least $350 million in tax revenue. This would add to what the state is already bringing in.
Last week, hundreds of union workers rallied to support casino development at Tysons Corner.
More Virginia Casinos Already Being Planned
Regardless of what happens in Fairfax County, Virginia already has casinos in Bristol, Portsmouth, Danville and Norfolk. In fact, they’ll break ground tomorrow on Norfolk’s casino project.
The plan is to meet the November 2025 state deadline for a gaming license by opening a transitional casino in Norfolk by mid-October 2025. A permanent casino will replace the transitional casino in September 2027.
And after Richmond residents twice rejected a casino in their area, a fifth casino may be coming to Petersburg. The proposed $1.4 billion Live! Casino Resort will be on the ballot in Petersburg on November 5th. If voters approve it, construction would begin immediately, with the first phase set to be completed by the end of next year.
