If approved by the Senate, the bill still has to move to the House for further debate
A proposal that could allow a casino in Fairfax County cleared another hurdle this week after lawmakers removed language tying the project to Tysons. The Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 10-5 to advance Senate Bill 756 with a substitute version that drops the site-specific requirement.
Earlier drafts required any casino to be built in Tysons along Metro’s Silver Line outside the Capital Beltway. The updated bill no longer names a specific location, opening the door for other potential sites within the county. The measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
The legislation, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, would add Fairfax County to the list of localities eligible to host a casino. Any project would still need voter approval through a local referendum before moving forward.
Fairfax County leaders remain opposed. The Board of Supervisors voted 5-4 in December to formally oppose state legislation authorizing a casino without a direct request from the board. Officials also want the creation of a statewide gaming commission and a revenue structure that sends a larger share of tax proceeds to the county.
Supervisor Walter Alcorn said a casino could disrupt long-term planning in Tysons and interfere with local land-use authority. Several supervisors expressed concern that state lawmakers were attempting to dictate development decisions that should be handled locally.
Similar casino proposals have surfaced in recent years but failed to gain lasting traction. A 2023 bill was withdrawn after public backlash, and later efforts stalled in the House of Delegates.
The revised bill will now be read three times on the Senate floor before a final vote.
