Published on: January 8, 2025, 11:41h.
Last updated on: January 8, 2025, 11:41h.
Legislation has been introduced in the Richmond capital to allow a casino in Northern Virginia in Tysons. This year, the measure is backed by a new primary sponsor with more influence.
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) filed Senate Bill 982 on Tuesday. The bill aims to designate a specific area within Fairfax County as a permissible location for a commercial casino. Currently, casinos with slot machines, live dealer table games, and sports betting are only allowed to operate in Portsmouth, Bristol, Norfolk, Danville, and Petersburg.
Surovell has taken charge of the casino project in Northern Virginia, specifically in Tysons. Tysons is a census-designated place between the business centers of McClean and Vienna. This responsibility was previously held by state Sen. David Marsden (D-Fairfax), who led the unsuccessful effort last year.
SB982 proposes a countywide referendum to ask voters if they support a casino within one-quarter mile of the Spring Hill Metro station. The legislation by Surovell has been referred to the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology for initial review.
Comstock’s Development Plans
Marsden initiated the casino project in Northern Virginia in collaboration with regional real estate developer Comstock Companies. Marsden and Comstock CEO Chris Clemente believe that Fairfax is facing a property tax crisis, and a casino, hotel, and convention center could help alleviate the increasing homeowners’ rates.
In conjunction with Surovell’s efforts for the Northern Virginia casino project, Comstock has revealed its vision for the casino development in the region. They propose a large mixed-use development covering up to eight million square feet on 35 acres.
According to Comstock, the total investment for the project could reach $6 billion. The casino would only occupy 5% of the facility, with major features including a 600-room five-star luxury hotel, a 6,000-seat performing arts theater, and the county’s first major convention center.
The development plan also includes residential apartments, retail shops, restaurants, bars, outdoor public spaces, and an immersive theater. Comstock plans to collaborate with a casino operator to run the hotel and gaming facility. Designs of the casino segment resemble Wynn Resorts’ distinctive curved hotel style.
Challenges Ahead
Surovell and Comstock’s enthusiasm faces significant opposition, including from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Several homeowners associations, local governments, and former federal employees have also shown resistance to the idea of a casino.
MGM Resorts is expected to lobby against SB982 to protect its interests in neighboring Maryland, where it operates MGM National Harbor just across the Potomac River.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay, a lifelong resident of the county, maintains that local leaders are against the casino. The supervisors have dedicated a section of the county’s website to address concerns about the casino proposal.
The supervisors stated, “Tysons is not declining, it is growing. The casino bill is a distraction that should never impact the most valuable real estate in the Commonwealth. It also creates uncertainty that could make attracting additional major employers more challenging.”
“Fairfax County has an ambitious, community-supported comprehensive plan for transit station areas around all Silver Line stations. A casino is not in those plans, and attempts by developers and casino operators to secure necessary government approvals are viewed as unethical,” the statement concluded.