For the third consecutive year, legislative efforts to introduce a casino in Fairfax County have failed. The latest attempt, Senate Bill 982, aimed at expanding Virginia’s casino-eligible localities to include Fairfax County, was unanimously blocked by a House subcommittee. This decision effectively removes the proposal from the 2025 legislative session.

Members of the Commerce, Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee voted late Wednesday to halt SB 982, as confirmed by Delegate David Bulova (D-Fairfax). This decision prevents the bill from proceeding further. However, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon), who spearheaded the proposal, maintained optimism, stating, “The bill can be brought back and passed through Tuesday.”

The legislation proposed the development of a 4-million-square-foot entertainment complex in Tysons, featuring a high-end hotel, a convention center, concert venues, restaurants, retail space, and workforce housing. Within this development, 200,000 square feet were designated for a casino. The project was backed by Comstock Holding Companies, a Reston-based developer that has invested over $1.5 million since 2023 to promote the legislation.

Despite the financial push, the proposal encountered resistance from multiple fronts, including local representatives and advocacy groups. Opponents argued that the project lacked thorough vetting and failed to secure community support.

Strong Opposition from Lawmakers and Residents

Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax), cited by Patch, vocalized her opposition during the subcommittee hearing, later stating, “I was pleased that the House Appropriations Committee took the action to kill the casino proposal. All along it was an unvetted project. There was absolutely no guarantee that labor protections would happen. There was not a legitimate independent study that provided analysis. And finally, forcing one specific location for a major land use with zero buy-in from the community doomed the project from the start.”

Concerns over transparency also emerged, particularly regarding a financial arrangement between Comstock Holding Companies and George Mason University. Reports indicated that Comstock had compensated the university for a study supporting casino development. Critics, including Boysko, raised concerns about the integrity of the analysis, questioning its objectivity.

Community groups similarly voiced strong opposition. Paula Martino, president of the Tysons Stakeholders Alliance, expressed gratitude for the legislative decision, stating, “The voice of the people was finally heard today. Thank you to the Members of the Senate who voted no and to the House of Delegates for listening to the thousands of Fairfax County residents who expressed their opposition to the Tysons casino legislation.” She further asserted that the bill would have disrupted the county’s landscape and undermined local governance.

Lynne Mulston, chair of the No Fairfax Casino Coalition, highlighted that the initiative did not originate from the local government, unlike previous Virginia casino approvals. Instead, she described it as a private developer-driven effort that conflicted with the county’s long-term urban planning.

Legislative Roadblocks and Future Considerations

After the Virginia Senate approved SB 982 with a 24-16 vote on February 4, the bill was sent to the House General Laws Committee. However, Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) redirected it to the House Appropriations Committee. On Wednesday, it was transferred again to the Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee, where it ultimately stalled.

This pattern mirrors previous legislative attempts. In 2023, nearly identical bills were introduced by Senator Dave Marsden (D-Burke) and Delegate Wren Williams (R-Stuart), proposing a local referendum on the casino issue. Those bills were withdrawn due to strong public opposition. Marsden reintroduced the referendum proposal in 2024 under Senate Bill 675, but it was postponed to the 2025 session. Similarly, SB 982 sought to confine the casino’s location to Tysons, but faced renewed resistance.

Delegate Paul Krizek (D-Fairfax), a key member of the House Appropriations subcommittee, acknowledged the economic potential of a casino but expressed reservations about Virginia’s gaming oversight. “I think we need to get a strong regulatory framework set up to oversee Virginia’s gaming industry, which is growing,” he said. Krizek proposed creating a Virginia Gaming Commission to standardize industry regulation before considering further expansion.

While proponents argued that a casino would generate substantial revenue and bolster Fairfax County’s economy, opponents maintained that the area’s existing business environment did not necessitate a casino. As Senator Saddam Azlan Salim (D-Fairfax) announced the bill’s defeat, he acknowledged constituents’ overwhelming feedback, stating, “I extend my thanks to the thousands of constituents who contacted me and other General Assembly members, sharing their positions on this matter.”