Published on: April 10, 2026, 09:29h.
Updated on: April 10, 2026, 09:29h.
- Virginia Governor Spanberger has rejected the Fairfax County casino proposal
- The local authorities in Northern Virginia never sought casino rights
On Thursday, Virginia’s Governor Abigail Spanberger (D) rejected a bill intended to establish a casino resort in Fairfax County, specifically at a former auto dealership on Tysons’ Leesburg Pike adjacent to the Spring Hill Metro Station.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), an influential figure in Richmond representing the prosperous northern region, leveraged his influence to push for the approval of Senate Bill 756.
Surovell advocated that Fairfax County requires new tax sources to uphold the area’s standard of living and robust education system. He rallied support from colleagues by asserting that a casino in Northern Virginia would yield significant tax revenue for the state.
Surovell coordinated primarily behind closed doors with Comstock Companies, a regional property development firm, in crafting his casino bill. The bill designated the abandoned lot adjacent to the Adaire residential complex as the sole potential site for a casino.
Reasons for Spanberger’s Veto
In 2020, Virginia’s legislature enacted a law permitting city governments in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond to submit casino proposals for local ballot measures. Each city had shown interest in using casino developments as a means to stimulate economic growth.
After residents of Richmond twice rejected a casino, Petersburg stepped in, and the General Assembly allowed the fifth gaming license to be transferred there, resulting in Petersburg residents approving their casino in November 2024.
Contrary to other approved locations, the Fairfax County local government never expressed endorsement or interest in a gaming resort. In fact, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors was openly against Surovell’s initiative.
Numerous homeowners associations and civic groups also rebuffed the casino proposal. This included over 100 former members of the United States Central Intelligence Agency, who voiced concerns regarding gambling addictions potentially jeopardizing national security. Polls indicated that almost 80% of Fairfax County voters were likely to oppose any casino ballot proposal.
While some labor unions supported the casino initiative, the prevailing sentiment remained negative. Spanberger emphasized her alignment with local governments and communities, rather than state lawmakers.
“Decisions regarding potential casino development should originate from local governing bodies, as has been the case in every locality with an operational casino,” stated Spanberger. “Yet in Fairfax County, the Board of Supervisors has explicitly opposed this legislation, and the vast majority of Assembly members representing Fairfax voted against it.”
Spanberger also criticized Surovell’s bill for confining the casino to a specific Comstock property.
“In no other instance has the General Assembly specified where a casino should be located. This effectively shuts out local voices and removes local governance,” the governor clarified.
Spanberger has consistently expressed reservations about expanding gambling operations in Virginia without establishing a dedicated gaming regulatory body. Currently, Virginia has assigned oversight for various gaming forms—from casinos to sports betting and historical horse racing—to the Virginia Lottery.
Surovell’s Reaction
Surovell expressed his profound disappointment regarding Spanberger’s veto.
“SB756 would have created thousands of well-paying, union construction jobs for building a premier entertainment facility in Tysons—and even more long-term positions in hospitality and entertainment afterwards,” Surovell remarked. “These types of jobs are vital for establishing a strong middle class, enabling families to thrive in Northern Virginia.”
Surovell further asserted that the casino would have prevented millions of dollars from leaving Northern Virginia annually to MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
He vowed that his campaign for the casino was far from over.
“We will return,” he concluded.