Published on: March 5, 2026, 11:09 AM.
Updated on: March 5, 2026, 11:10 AM.
- Legislation in Virginia granting permission for a casino in Fairfax County has successfully passed through both legislative branches.
- The House and Senate drafts have minor differences, requiring the Fairfax casino bill to enter a conference committee.
- Residents of Fairfax County appear to oppose the casino initiative.
Virginia legislators are seeking more opportunities for gaming, as a recent legislative session has favored measures to legalize both online casino operations and a sixth physical casino within the state.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) has been advocating for a bill in 2026 that would classify Fairfax County as a potential host for a commercial casino.
Senate Bill 756 received Senate approval last month with a vote of 23-14. This past Wednesday, the Fairfax casino initiative also gained favorable reception in the House of Delegates with a 64-32 vote. Following a request for a recount, the final tally remained favorable at 59-37.
While the House made adjustments to SB756, the Senate rejected these changes, leading to a conference committee being established for compromise. The likelihood of the casino proposal being presented to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) appears promising.
The governor’s agenda focuses on affordable housing, healthcare, and energy, indicating a potential openness to “sin industries” like expanded gaming and legal cannabis as funding sources for increased expenditures.
Opposition to the Fairfax Casino
Casino.org has been tracking efforts to designate Northern Virginia as a viable casino host for over three years, with notable reluctance from local constituents.
Besides some unions advocating for the creation of numerous construction and permanent employment opportunities at a Fairfax County casino resort, the general sentiment appears to be resistant.
In its 2026 Legislative Program, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors released a formal statement against Surovell’s casino initiative. The measure, which narrowly passed 5-4, expressed the county’s objection to “any General Assembly legislation permitting a casino in Fairfax County absent a request from the [Fairfax County] Board of Supervisors.”
Multiple homeowners associations and community organizations have voiced their opposition to a casino. The Tysons Stakeholders Alliance, a coalition of local residents, expressed disappointment regarding the progression of SB756.
“We’re disheartened by this outcome, and distressed that our representatives weren’t allowed to express their objections to this bill on the House floor,” remarked Paula Martino, president of the Tysons Stakeholders Alliance.
Several state lawmakers representing Fairfax County opposed SB756, including Senators Jennifer Boysko and Saddam Salim. Among those in the House who opposed the casino bill were Dels. Charniele Herring, Rip Sullivan, Karen Keys-Gamarra, Irene Shin, Karrie Delaney, Dan Helmer, Gretchen Bulova, Holly Seibold, Marcus Simon, Vivian Watts, Paul Krizek, and Kathy Tran.
Supporters of the casino initiative included Fairfax representatives such as Sen. David Marsden, who previously led the charge for the Fairfax casino, along with Senators Jennifer Carroll and Stella Pekarsky. Delegates Laura Jane Cohen, Garret McGuire, and Rozia Henson also expressed their support.
Pressure on Fairfax County?
Should SB756 be enacted, it would grant Fairfax County the authority to choose a casino proposal and put it to a vote through a countywide ballot referendum. If the measure receives majority approval, the Virginia Lottery Board—which oversees casino operations in the state—would then be able to issue a gaming license for the project.
However, it remains uncertain if SB756 stipulates that the county must conduct a competitive bidding process for the proposed casino. The bill’s language states:
“The eligible host locality … shall select a proposed casino gaming operator that has voluntarily offered to construct, fund, or dedicate at least one public safety capital facility, such as a police precinct or fire and emergency medical services station, within the geographic boundaries of the eligible host locality.”
Casino.org has reached out to Senator Surovell’s office for clarification regarding whether Fairfax must solicit bids for the casino opportunity, or if the county board could merely overlook SB756’s intention of seeking voter approval for a casino. Updates will follow upon receiving a response from the Senator.