Operators such as Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts have previously shown interest in the Fairfax market
Lawmakers in Virginia moved a step closer to allowing a casino in Fairfax County after a key House panel approved a revised bill. The House General Laws Committee voted 12-8 on Feb. 24 to advance an amended version of Senate Bill 756. The proposal now heads to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Agriculture & Natural Resources for further review.
The measure was originally introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell and would have limited a casino to the Tysons area. The Senate later approved changes that opened the door to other locations within Fairfax County. The House committee adopted an updated substitute that includes additional revisions backed by Del. Paul Krizek.
One of the biggest changes involves voter approval. The bill still requires a countywide referendum before any casino can move forward. It now also mandates that voters in the specific magisterial district where the casino would be built must approve it as well. A district-level rejection could block the project, even if county voters support it.
The revised legislation also increases the proposed tax rate. A Fairfax County casino would face a 40% tax on gross gaming revenue, higher than the 18-30% range applied to existing casinos in the state. Half of the tax revenue would go directly to Fairfax County, while 5% would be directed to Metro.
Developers would also face a steep upfront cost. The winning bidder would need to pay a $150 million gaming concession fee, with $75 million allocated to Fairfax County and the rest going to the state. Under the 2020 law that authorized casinos in cities like Bristol and Norfolk, the licensing fee is $15 million.
