Published Date: December 28, 2023, 07:18h.
Last Updated: December 28, 2023, 07:18h.
Supporters of establishing a casino in Northern Virginia through a political action committee are raising funds for their 2024 campaign.
Virginia Sen. David Marsden (D-Fairfax) is planning to reintroduce legislation to allow Fairfax County to consider a gaming referendum asking local voters for permission to have a single commercial casino resort. Marsden and others for the cause argue that Northern Virginia should no longer subsidize Maryland’s public schools through casino taxes.
Despite his dislike for gambling, Marsden stresses the need for the region to stop gambling in Maryland. He isn’t alone, as other lawmakers have expressed support for the initiative to allow Fairfax County to host a casino.
Sen. Marsden comments, “I don’t like the lottery. I don’t like any of it. But we have to be practical, not naïve,” in an Associated Press report.
Del. Wren Williams (R-Stuart) has been in discussions with Comstock Companies, a developer of mixed-use real estate in Northern Virginia, to back the casino development. A PAC named “Building a Remarkable Virginia” has been established this fall to raise funds for this purpose.
Comstock and its executives have made substantial contributions to the PAC. These funds have been utilized to support political efforts that understand the positive impact the construction industry could have on Virginia’s economy.
Despite this push, the Fairfax County Supervisors have yet to vote on the issue. Local boards in county towns near the proposed site have opposed the initiative. In 2019, a state study estimated that a casino could generate $155 million annually in tax revenues in Northern Virginia.