The Possibility of a Casino in Fairfax County, Virginia, Is Losing Traction

Article by : Erik Gibbs Feb 5, 2024

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November 2024 may witness the voting fate of a casino in Virginia, with residents across the state deciding their stance. However, the prospect of voting on this matter doesn’t extend to Fairfax County, as a recent move in a Virginia Senate committee has reshaped the landscape.

This committee, responsible for steering legislative decisions, has set aside a bill designed to pave the way for a referendum regarding the establishment of a casino in Virginia.

While this doesn’t outright dismiss Fairfax County as a potential site for Virginia’s fifth casino, it tilts the odds in favor of another location.

In the latest – and unexpected – turn of events, the Virginia Senate Finance & Appropriations Resources Subcommittee, led by Angela Woolsey’s insights from FFXnow, has opted to defer the consideration of SB675.

This bill aimed to grant residents in Tysons, Virginia, and its vicinity the opportunity to voice their opinion through a vote on introducing a casino in their area.

The spotlight had initially shone on the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station in Fairfax County as a prospective casino site. Virginia law, contingent on successful referendums in host cities, permits the establishment of five gaming facilities. Notably, referendums in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth sailed through.

However, Richmond faced setbacks with two failed attempts. Consequently, legislators from various regions have stepped forward, submitting proposals for their areas to step into Richmond’s shoes.

The Tysons area, though seemingly excluded from this year’s referendum lineup, remains a potential contender in the future.

By shelving the bill, the committee has deferred it to potential reconsideration in 2025. Committee members express a desire for a more comprehensive exploration into the impact of a casino on the Tysons area.

Opting to shelve the bill rather than outright rejecting it preserves the option for the committee to view Tysons as a contingency plan down the road.

In January, the Virginia Senate’s General Laws and Technology Committee advanced bills, including one for a casino referendum in Petersburg.

The suspension of the Fairfax County bill, seemingly unrelated, is significant. Casino support in Petersburg and Tysons was tepid among legislators. The likelihood of a successful referendum in either area is seen as higher in the state capital. With the Fairfax County bill on hold, proponents of the Petersburg casino can proceed.

The Cordish Companies aim for a Petersburg casino, but approval uncertainties linger. Shelving SB675 removes one obstacle, but challenges remain.

If Petersburg lacks support, Tysons may be reconsidered. Developers eyeing Tysons prefer not being Plan B but see it as a better option than complete disappointment.