Virginia casino bill advances despite local concerns

A Virginia bill proposing a referendum for a casino in Fairfax County cleared its first legislative hurdle on Monday, advancing amid local opposition and unresolved questions about revenue sharing.  

Senate Bill 982, introduced by Senator Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax County), passed the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee’s gaming subcommittee with a 5-2 vote. The measure now moves to the full committee, with potential review by the Senate Finance Committee, where a similar proposal failed last year.  

The bill paves the way for Fairfax County residents to vote on allowing a casino as part of a mixed-use entertainment district in Tysons. Reston-based Comstock Companies has expressed interest in developing the project, which supporters say would bring significant economic benefits.  

Although the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has not taken a formal stance, the county’s lobbyist noted the board is “not in opposition.”  

Surovell emphasized the economic benefits of the project, claiming it could generate billions in revenue. This includes $183 million earmarked for school construction and at least $78 million annually for Fairfax County, which would help address a $300 million budget shortfall.

Drawing comparisons to Maryland's National Harbor casino, which generates $550 million annually, Surovell said Virginians currently contribute significantly to Maryland’s gaming revenues.  

“We need a project like that in Virginia so Virginia can have its own crown jewel,” Surovell said.  

The proposal faces strong opposition from local residents and officials due to concerns about traffic congestion, gambling addiction, and accountability. Additionally, there is significant dissatisfaction regarding revenue distribution, as 70% of gaming tax revenues would be allocated to the state rather than the county.

Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay criticized the state’s reliance on such projects to address budget gaps.  

“State leaders might just sprinkle things [like a casino] around Virginia, to different jurisdictions that they underfund, and somehow suggest that magically is going to solve our problem,” McKay said, adding that recent property tax hikes stemmed from inadequate state funding for education.  

Despite the opposition, labor unions and business leaders back the proposal. “Any time that we can get labor and business working together, we need to take that opportunity,” said Doris Crouse-Mays, president of the Virginia AFL-CIO.  

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce also endorsed the project for its potential to create union jobs and boost commercial tax revenue.  

If approved, the proposal would require a countywide referendum and public approval for any specific casino project. Concerns persist about whether Fairfax County would receive a fair share of the revenue.  

The subcommittee vote highlighted regional divides, with Northern Virginia senators largely supporting or abstaining, while lawmakers from Richmond and Roanoke opposed the measure.