Published on: April 3, 2026, 11:18 AM.
Updated on: April 3, 2026, 11:18 AM.
- Lawmakers in Fairfax are urging a veto on Senate Bill 756
- This legislation proposes a casino in Tysons
Representatives from Northern Virginia are appealing to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) to reject a bill currently on her desk that aims to permit the Fairfax County government to evaluate the option of establishing a casino.
There is substantial opposition to a casino establishment in this affluent area.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors did not seek gaming licenses, unlike the five other designated casino sites in Virginia. The local administration has clearly stated its disapproval of a casino and has requested Gov. Spanberger to veto Senate Bill 756. Numerous homeowner associations and civic organizations in Fairfax County are also against it.
While some unions advocate for a potential casino resort, the general public opinion seems to lean against establishing a Las Vegas-style venue in Tysons. Several state legislators from the McLean region recently voiced their opposition to spanberger regarding the proposed Tysons casino.
“This is my call to action: Now is the time, do not delay,” Del. Rip Sullivan (D-Fairfax) stated during an event hosted by the McLean Citizens Association, as reported by FFXNow. “You need to express your views to her.”
Senate Bill 756 was approved by the Virginia General Assembly in March following a special conference committee agreement that satisfied both legislative chambers. The proposal restricts the casino’s location in Fairfax County to a former vehicle dealership situated along Leesburg Pike, adjacent to the Adaire residential high-rise and Spring Hill Metro Station.
Community Resistance
Sullivan was not the only one encouraging Fairfax residents to contact the governor about their opposition to the casino plan. State Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax), a steadfast adversary of SB756, emphasized the urgency of taking action now.
“I have been urging my friends and neighbors to reach out to the governor,” Boysko remarked. “It’s crucial for her to understand that this is significant to us. We must unite in our efforts.”
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) has been a vocal advocate for the casino in Tysons. He utilized his legislative influence to persuade lawmakers that a casino in Northern Virginia could yield substantial state tax income by retaining gaming revenue that is currently spent at MGM National Harbor in Maryland within Virginia.
According to Surovell, Fairfax is also in need of new revenue streams, as property tax income has remained low, a lingering effect of the COVID-19 pandemic that significantly affected McLean’s economy, heavily reliant on corporate offices.
Deadline Looming
Gov. Spanberger has a 30-day period from the adjournment of the General Assembly to take action on the submitted legislation. The legislature concluded its regular session on March 14, meaning the governor has until Monday, April 13, to determine the fate of SB756.
Should Spanberger approve the legislation, a casino wouldn’t automatically be sanctioned in Tysons. The bill merely authorizes the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to conduct a competitive bidding process and put the proposal to a public vote. A county-wide referendum with a majority backing would be the final hurdle for greenlighting the casino.