Published on: August 26, 2025, 11:08 AM.
Updated on: August 26, 2025, 11:11 AM.
- A grassroots organization in Fairfax County is actively opposing the proposal for a casino in Northern Virginia.
- The No Fairfax Casino Coalition is advocating for a temporary ban on new casinos until a state gaming regulatory body is established.
Those against the introduction of a casino in Virginia’s Fairfax County are voicing their support for the formation of a state gaming regulatory commission.
A joint subcommittee in Richmond is debating the potential establishment of a gaming commission to oversee various new gambling initiatives that Virginia has recently authorized. The No Fairfax Casino Coalition (NFCC), a collective of Fairfax County residents and local leaders, is conveying to legislators that a casino resort is not desired in this affluent part of Northern Virginia, while also showing support for the state gaming regulator concept.
In a statement shared with Casino.org, the NFCC expressed that a state gaming commission would be more capable of managing Virginia’s gaming landscape and fostering transparency in this burgeoning sector.
“The NFCC remains firmly against any legislation that would permit casino development in Fairfax County. At the same time, we recognize the critical need for strong oversight and regulation of gaming activities statewide,” stated NFCC Chair Lynne Mulston.
Historically, Virginia lawmakers have been resistant to gambling beyond the state-operated lottery, but in 2018, they approved slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines and granted up to five casino licenses in 2020. This enabling legislation also relaxed regulations on both retail and online sports betting.
Opposition Overwhelms Support
All five casino licenses established in 2020 have been assigned, with casinos now operational or in development in Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Petersburg. Certain lawmakers representing parts of Fairfax County, notably state Sen. David Marsden (D-Fairfax) and Del. Wren Williams (R-Stuart), contend that casinos could be a solution to the county’s declining tax revenues.
Fairfax has experienced a drop in tax income after numerous office properties successfully negotiated lower property tax evaluations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some lawmakers from other regions of the state argue that a casino in Northern Virginia could generate significantly more gaming tax revenue for the state while preventing gaming funds from flowing into Maryland.
Despite this, the opposition in Fairfax is far more formidable than its supporters. Leading the charge is the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
The No Fairfax Casino Coalition also boasts backing from over two dozen homeowners associations, community groups, and civic organizations. Additionally, councils from Vienna, Mason District, and Silly District are against the proposal. Notably, more than 100 former U.S. intelligence officials signed a letter last December, warning that a casino so close to the CIA HQ could pose risks to national security.
Temporary Ban Requested
In advocating for a state gaming commission, the No Fairfax Casino Coalition has called on lawmakers to impose a halt on the expansion of gambling, including the addition of new casino locations, until the regulatory body is in place.
“The NFCC recommends that a moratorium on new gaming establishments and online platforms be enacted until the commission is fully established and operational,” emphasized Mulston.
During a recent hearing by the gaming commission subcommittee, testimony was recorded regarding the potential benefits and drawbacks of introducing legal online slots and table games to Virginia.
By November 30, the gaming subcommittee is expected to deliver its recommendations to the General Assembly regarding further gaming expansion and the suitability of a gaming commission for current oversight.
Prefiling for the 2026 regular session is scheduled to begin on November 17, 2025. Being an even-numbered year, the legislature will convene for 60 days in 2026. The start date for the official session in January is yet to be announced.