March, 2025
Virginia’s House of Delegates has approved legislation that could pave the way for a casino in Fairfax County, moving the proposal one step closer to becoming law.
The measure, known as Senate Bill 756 (2026), was introduced by Senator Scott Surovell, authorizes Fairfax County to host a casino as part of a mixed-use project (minimum 1.5M sq ft), and would allow Fairfax County voters to decide whether casino gaming should be permitted in the county.
The bill passed the House of Delegates on March 4, 2026, and is moving to a conference committee. The committee must reconcile differences between their versions of the bill before potentially reaching the Governor’s desk.
Summary of the Legislation
Key Details of SB 756 (2026 Regular Session):
- Purpose: Amends Virginia law to add Fairfax County to the list of localities eligible to host a casino.
- Location: While initially focused on Tysons, the bill was amended to allow a casino anywhere in Fairfax County, with some community opposition noted in areas like Reston.
- Requirements: The project must be a “coordinated mixed-use project development” of at least 1.5 million square feet, potentially including hotels, entertainment, and conference centers.
- Process: If passed, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors would need to approve and then voters must approve a referendum for the casino to move forward.
History
This is the fourth year in a row the Virginia General Assembly has considered legislation that would greenlight a casino for Fairfax County. In 2019, the Virginia General Assembly passed SB 1126 which authorized the development of casinos in five localities (Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond) after a study was completed by The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC). Richmond later lost eligibility after voters rejected a casino twice.
Proponents of the Bill
The possibility of a casino has sparked significant discussion across the county. Supporters argue that a casino could generate substantial tax revenue, create new jobs, and provide additional entertainment and hospitality options in Northern Virginia. Proponents also point to the potential for economic development, including new hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces that often accompany large-scale casino resorts.
With no option in Northern Virginia, casino revenue and tourism is being directed to the MGM Grand in Maryland. Supporters of the legislation want to bring that revenue back to benefit Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia
Opponents of the Bill
Opponents, including the No Fairfax Casino Coalition, Reston Association, and some Fairfax County Supervisors do not support the casino Bill and raised concerns about potential downsides. Some community members worry about increased traffic, pressure on local infrastructure, and the social impacts associated with gambling, including the risk of problem gambling. Others question whether a casino fits with the long-term vision for Fairfax County’s development and community character.
If the legislation ultimately becomes law, the decision about whether to allow casino gaming in Fairfax County would ultimately be left to voters through a referendum.
The legislation has a sunset provision which requires Fairfax County to hold a successful voter referendum by July 1, 2029. If a referendum approving a casino does not occur by that date, the authorization effectively expires and Fairfax County would lose the authority granted under the bill.
