A new bill is renewing the debate over potential casino development in Fairfax County.
Introduced earlier this month, SB982 is now under review by the Gaming Subcommittee, part of the Committee on General Laws and Technology.
But the bill cleared its first major hurdle yesterday. The Gaming Subcommittee of the Virginia Senate passed it on a 5-2 vote with Sen. Adam P. Ebbin (D-Alexandria) abstaining.
SB982 was introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell, the Virginia Senate’s majority leader. It would authorize a procedure that would allow Fairfax County voters to decide on a local ballot referendum concerning a casino project. However, the bill stops short of directly authorizing any casino development.
What SB982 Calls For
Although SB982 does not specifically name Fairfax County as a potential host, the land use described in the bill aligns closely with Tysons, suggesting the area could be a target for future development.
It reads: “Adds Fairfax County to the list of localities eligible to host a casino in the Commonwealth and provides that any proposed site for a casino gaming establishment considered by Fairfax County shall be (i) located within one-quarter of a mile of an existing station on the Metro Silver Line, (ii) part of a coordinated mixed-use project development consisting of no less than 1.5 million square feet, (iii) within two miles of a regional enclosed mall containing not less than 1.5 million square feet of gross building area, and (iv) outside of the Interstate 495 Beltway”.
"This project is exactly the kind of project that was intended to be on that [Silver] line when it was built," Surovell said.
Group Hopes to “Kill the Bill”
Lynne Mulston, leader of the “No Fairfax Casino Coalition,” told the Fairfax Station Connection that this situation is similar to the one Senate Bill 675 generated last year, which she claims had targeted Tysons as a prime casino location.
That bill, proposed by Senator David Marsden, was effectively shelved by a Senate subcommittee vote last February, delaying any decision until 2025 to allow for detailed projections on a potential Northern Virginia casino.
Opposition Group Rallying in Richmond
The group boarded buses bound for Richmond to give Tysons residents the opportunity to speak their minds.
“We are traveling to Richmond again as representatives of the people of Fairfax County,” Mulston said in a statement.
Those opposed to casino development in Fairfax County believe that the bill would damage their communities and “only further enrich a few wealthy developers, and huge casino operators such as Wynn.”
"We understand this is a short session, so our legislators have to make every day count,” Mulston said. "Accordingly, we are mobilizing to get to Richmond for this Gaming Subcommittee meeting that offers the citizens of Fairfax County their only opportunity to provide public comment regarding SB982," added.
Connie Hartke was in attendance with the group yesterday and asked senators to delay passing SB982 until after House Bill 2498 is enacted. This bill would create the Virginia Gaming Commission to oversee and regulate all forms of legal gambling.
Why Such a Push for a Casino in Northern Virginia?
A 2019 state gambling study found that Northern Virginia is the most promising location for a casino financially.
Even though lawmakers initially targeted five other cities in Virginia for economic revitalization through gambling facilities, the study highlighted Northern Virginia's potential. It also noted that opening a casino there could keep gambling revenue within the state and reduce the amount lost to the MGM National Harbor casino resort in Maryland.
Maryland just completed a banner year for casino revenue. Virginia is not on the list of states that legally offer online casinos, as well.
What’s Next for SB982?
As the debate continues, Fairfax residents and officials eagerly await further developments on this controversial issue.
The bill now moves back to the full General Laws & Technology Committee for consideration at its next scheduled meeting tomorrow.
