A Virginia Senate subcommittee on Friday advanced legislation that would allow Fairfax County to host a casino, reviving a controversial proposal that failed last year and setting the stage for renewed debate in the General Assembly.
The Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology voted 5–3 to advance SB 756, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, which would add Fairfax County to the list of localities eligible for casino development. The bill now heads to the full Senate General Laws and Technology Committee before potentially reaching the Senate floor.
Surovell told lawmakers the bill is identical to legislation he introduced during the 2025 session. It restricts any casino location to a mixed-use development in Tysons, within a quarter mile of a Silver Line Metro station and outside the Capital Beltway, according to FFX Now.
During the hearing, Sen. Adam Ebbin questioned why the bill limits the casino to Tysons rather than allowing Fairfax County broader discretion. Surovell argued the state has a direct interest in directing development to the Silver Line corridor, citing billions in public investment and the proximity of MGM National Harbor just across the Potomac River.
“We’ve invested about $6 billion in the Silver Line, and that was a state decision to make that investment,” Surovell said. “We invested exactly for this kind of development. If this project is going to maximize revenue to both the state and the county, that’s where it has to be.”
Surovell also pointed to economic challenges in Tysons, referencing office vacancies, stalled commercial development and Fairfax County’s looming budget concerns. “All the development there has stalled. Commercial office buildings are half empty,” he said. “Fairfax County’s commercial property tax is cratering. Their office buildings are selling at 30 percent of their tax assessed value.”
If ultimately approved, the bill would still require voter approval through a countywide referendum. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted in December to oppose any casino legislation unless formally requested by the county. (RELATED: Virginia Democrats Enter Session With Big Agenda, Four Amendments, and Budget Uncertainty)
Opposition was vocal at Friday’s hearing. The Tysons Stakeholders Alliance said the subcommittee vote was rushed, with less than 24 hours’ notice. “We are deeply disappointed that this bill advanced today,” said Paula Martino. “The Tysons community remains united in its opposition.”
Local officials echoed those concerns. Linda Colbert said residents repeatedly raise safety concerns and fear casinos would divert funding from charitable gaming. “Fairfax County did not ask permission to build a casino. We do not want it,” Colbert said.
Labor organizations voiced support, citing job creation and worker protections. Mike Hachey said the proposal includes commitments to fair union organizing. “This is an opportunity to create thousands of jobs that can lift people up,” he said.
Supporters also argued the bill would give voters the final say. “The working class residents of Fairfax County deserve the right to have a vote,” said Virginia Diamond. (RELATED: Virginia Democrats Revive Push for New Local School Construction Sales Tax)