Casino in Fairfax County, VA, Won’t Happen This Year

Article by : Erik Gibbs Feb 8, 2024

• 
• 

In McLean, Virginia, a Senate committee made a pivotal decision on Tuesday by dismissing proposed legislation that sought to permit a referendum on establishing a casino in the affluent suburbs near the nation’s capital.

The Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee delivered a decisive 13-2 vote against the bill, which aimed to authorize Fairfax County to conduct a referendum on constructing a casino and conference center in Tysons Corner.

Tysons Corner, recognized for its upscale retail and office developments, would have seen a transformation under this proposal.

The outcome of the committee’s vote serves as a setback for the casino initiative in the current legislative session.

However, the decision to refrain from outright rejection offers a glimmer of optimism for casino advocates, as the committee chose to defer the bill to 2025 for potential reconsideration.

While the proposal faces a temporary setback, the prospect of future revival remains, sustaining a level of hope for supporters of the casino project.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator David Marsden, argued for diversifying the county’s tax base amid decreased demand for prime office space.

Senator L. Louise Lucas, known as the “casino queen,” sought to keep the bill alive for future consideration, while civic groups around the proposed casino expressed concerns about traffic and crime.

Marsden proposed a county-wide referendum to decide on the casino, addressing opposition concerns. Despite arguments for the casino’s revenue potential, some lawmakers opposed its location, citing the Silver Line Metrorail station’s prime real estate designation.

In 2019, a study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee projected an annual tax revenue of $155 million for a northern Virginia casino, surpassing others in the state.

Senator David Marsden emphasized this substantial revenue potential, advocating for the committee’s consideration. Proponents cited the success of Maryland’s MGM casino in National Harbor, relying on northern Virginia customers.

Despite backing, civic groups like the Reston Citizens Association oppose the casino, anticipating heightened resistance in future attempts. Connie Hartke from the association emphasized their readiness for prolonged advocacy.

The committee also progressed legislation permitting Petersburg to conduct a casino referendum.

Virginia, in 2020, allowed casinos in five cities through referendums, with Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth and Norfolk supporting the initiative.

Richmond rejected the proposal twice, prompting Petersburg, situated less than 25 miles south, to pursue the opportunity denied to the capital.