The Fairfax County project faces overwhelming opposition from local groups
A new proposal to bring a casino to Northern Virginia appears all but certain to fail, with overwhelming opposition from residents, civic leaders, and local organizations. Recent polling shows that most Fairfax County voters reject the idea of a Las Vegas-style resort in their community, despite state lawmakers’ push to include the county in Virginia’s expanding gaming market.
According to a survey by Global Strategy Group, 75% of likely voters in Fairfax County and the Tysons area oppose casino development, and nearly half “strongly” object. Only 23% said they would vote in favor of a local referendum to legalize slot machines, table games, and sports betting. The poll also revealed deep concerns about traffic congestion and quality of life, with nine in ten residents saying a casino would make local travel even worse.
Freedom Virginia, a nonprofit that commissioned the poll, said the message from voters is clear — they don’t believe a casino will improve the economy or reduce taxes. “Fairfax voters are clear: they do not want a casino in the county,” said Ryan O’Toole, the group’s co-executive director. Residents argue that the area already offers sufficient entertainment options and does not need gambling to attract tourism.
Sen. Dave Marsden has championed the proposal alongside developer Comstock Companies, which wants to build a casino resort on its Tysons property near Route 7. Marsden and his allies argue that the project would boost tax revenues and counter losses from Maryland’s MGM National Harbor. They also claim the pandemic’s impact on commercial real estate has hurt local tax collections, leaving Fairfax searching for new income sources.
Still, most voters remain unconvinced. Only 21% believe a casino is needed to address county revenue issues, while three-quarters say large corporations and the wealthy should contribute more instead. With Fairfax ranking among the richest counties in the nation, opposition from residents appears strong enough to bury the proposal before it reaches the ballot box.
