Published on: March 26, 2026, 01:04h.
Updated on: March 26, 2026, 01:04h.
- Unite Here Local 25 members are advocating for a casino in Tysons
- Tysons, situated in Fairfax County, is under legislative consideration for a casino
- The Fairfax County government stands against the casino initiative
Despite limited public backing for a casino resort in the prosperous Fairfax County, some union members are rallying for a development similar to those in Las Vegas, following a proposal that state lawmakers approved earlier this month in Richmond.
On Wednesday, members of Unite Here Local 25 came together at the potential casino location along Leesburg Pike, next to the Spring Hill Metro Station in Tysons, advocating for Senate Bill 756. The bill, spearheaded by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), permits a casino on a currently vacant lot formerly occupied by an auto dealership, near the Adaire residential high-rise.
According to Unite Here, over a dozen union representatives from hospitality, service, education, and trades gathered to show their support for a Tysons casino resort.
“This development could generate over 5,000 quality jobs in Fairfax County, elevating many local families into the middle class while supporting our schools and county services,” stated the union.
In addition to the potential 5,000 jobs tied directly and indirectly to the casino, construction is estimated to create at least 2,000 temporary positions.
Unite Here is not alone in its advocacy; other supportive unions and trade organizations include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 26, the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 10, the Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association, the Northern Virginia Labor Federation AFL-CIO, the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, and the Virginia Building Trades Council.
Local Opposition
While Unite Here Local 25 claims that attendees of the rally were local residents, the union is headquartered in Washington, DC, approximately 15 miles away. Unite Here represents hotel and restaurant employees in the capital and at MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Differing from five existing Virginia casinos, Fairfax County did not request permission from the state for a casino. In fact, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has openly opposed the introduction of slot machines and table games in the area.
The county has formally requested Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger (D) to veto SB756.
“We did not request a casino, nor do we want one,” stated Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill).
Spanberger has indicated reluctance to allow further gaming expansions unless the state establishes a regulatory agency specifically to oversee casinos and sports betting. Presently, this oversight falls to the Virginia Lottery Board, which Spanberger has criticized as being understaffed and incapable of managing additional gaming activities.
“Governor Spanberger is highly concerned about any potential discussions regarding gaming expansion in Virginia without first creating a governing body with clear authority, uniform standards, and robust compliance and enforcement capabilities,” articulated Katie Frazier, Spanberger’s Agriculture and Forestry secretary, during a February House General Laws Committee meeting.
The Virginia General Assembly did not pass a gaming bill to form a regulatory commission during its 2026 regular session.
Wynn and Caesars Observing Developments
Wynn Resorts and Caesars Entertainment have both announced their intention to keep a close watch on developments regarding gaming in Northern Virginia. If Spanberger chooses to sign or allow SB756 to take effect, these Las Vegas casino leaders will consider placing a bid.
In Virginia, the governor has 30 days following the adjournment of the General Assembly to respond to enacted legislation. With the legislature concluding its regular session on March 14, Spanberger has until April 13 to act on SB756.