With local opposition now on record, any future casino proposal will likely face an uphill battle
Efforts to bring a casino to Fairfax County hit another roadblock this week after local leaders formally pushed back against the idea. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to oppose a proposed casino development that has been discussed for the Tysons area.
While no official casino bill has been introduced yet, county officials moved quickly ahead of Virginia’s upcoming legislative session, which begins Jan. 14. Supervisors approved both a letter to state lawmakers and an update to the county’s legislative agenda, making their opposition clear.
The vote passed by a narrow 5-4 margin. Board Chair Jeff McKay joined Supervisors Walter Alcorn, James Bierman, Rodney Lusk, and Dalia Palchick in support. Supervisors Pat Herrity, Andres Jimenez, Daniel Storck, and Vice Chair Kathy Smith voted against the measure.
Casino legislation tied to Tysons first surfaced in the state Senate earlier this year, but the House of Delegates declined to move it forward. County leaders believe another attempt is likely during the next session, prompting them to stake out their position early.
Supporters of a casino point to potential tax revenue and economic growth. Critics, however, raise concerns about increased traffic, public safety issues, and how gambling revenue would be divided between the state and local government.
McKay said the county is frustrated that casino proposals continue to emerge from Richmond without meaningful local input. He argued that communities most affected should be involved from the start, not after legislation is already drafted.
Supervisor Alcorn echoed those concerns, noting that proposed revenue-sharing models favor the state over Fairfax County. He also warned that placing a casino in Tysons could disrupt one of Virginia’s most important economic hubs.
