Virginia Senator Proposes Revised Casino Bill for Fairfax County

Virginia State Senator Dave Marsden is making headlines with his reintroduction of a bill aimed at bringing a resort-style casino to Fairfax County, drawing comparisons to the famed MGM National Harbor. Senator Marsden's previous attempt to introduce a similar bill encountered obstacles, leading to a strategic overhaul designed to address concerns, especially from Reston residents. The new proposal takes a firm stance on the casino's location, restricting it to Tysons while excluding Reston from the equation, as reported by NBC Washington.

The bill lays out specific criteria for the casino's eligible location. It must be within a quarter-mile of an existing station on the Metro Silver Line, part of a mixed-use development project, outside the Dulles airport flight path, within two miles of a major shopping destination with at least 1.5 million square feet of building area, and beyond the Interstate 495 Beltway. Notably, the bill pinpoints a specific parcel in Tysons – the site of a closed auto dealership on Route 7.

The legislative journey for this proposal is multi-faceted. It must navigate through both chambers of Virginia's General Assembly and secure the approval of Governor Glenn Youngkin. Governor Youngkin's stance remains open, awaiting the presentation of the legislation. Subsequently, at the county level, the county board would need to request a referendum. If approved by the majority of Fairfax County voters, a competitive bidding process would determine the casino developer, followed by the selection of a casino operator.

While some see the casino as a comprehensive development opportunity encompassing a convention center, hotels, restaurants, office space, and residences, uncertainties loom large. The decline in commercial real estate tax revenue, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, poses challenges. State Senator Scott Surovell emphasizes the need for diverse revenue sources to avoid burdening homeowners and maintain the quality of education.

Despite the potential economic benefits and job creation, there is substantial opposition from local governments and community associations in the Tysons region. The fate of establishing a casino in Fairfax County hinges on legislative approval and the voice of the county's voters.