Published on: February 25, 2026, at 09:40h.
Updated on: February 25, 2026, at 09:40h.
- Legislation for a casino in Fairfax County advances.
- Local residents will ultimately decide on the casino’s future in Northern Virginia.
- Major operators like Caesars and Wynn are considering the venture.
The prospects for a casino in Northern Virginia are looking more promising, although challenges remain ahead.
On Tuesday, the Virginia House General Laws Committee approved Senate Bill 756 with a vote of 12-7, moving it forward to the Appropriations Committee. Previously, SB756 had secured a 23-14 vote in the state Senate.
Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), SB756 aims to include Fairfax County among eligible localities for slot machines, table games, and sports wagering. Under current Virginia regulations, casinos can only operate in areas like Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Petersburg, and Portsmouth.
The proposed measure would authorize the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to solicit proposals for casino development anywhere within its jurisdiction. However, significant amendments were made during the General Laws Committee’s review.
Amendments to the Fairfax Casino Legislation
Changes proposed by Del. Paul Krizek (D-Fairfax) and accepted by the General Laws Committee have modified key aspects of Surovell’s original proposal.
Notably, the successful applicant would be required to pay the state $150 million for the Northern Virginia gaming license, a substantial increase from the $15 million fees established by Virginia’s 2020 casino law. Fairfax County would receive $75 million from this upfront payment, with the remainder allocated to Richmond.
Additionally, a significant stipulation is that the municipality where the casino is proposed must consent through a local ballot referendum.
“If it’s in Springfield, Springfield must approve it. Even if the proposal secures 80% support in the rest of the county but only 49% in Springfield, it wouldn’t pass,” Krizek elaborated.
A failed referendum on a casino proposal would prevent that specific plan from being presented to voters again. However, new casino initiatives in Fairfax, featuring a different location, could still go forward, provided the referendum occurs before July 1, 2029, the expiration date for the provisions of SB756.
Tax Implications for the Casino
Should SB756, as amended, become law, a Northern Virginia casino would face significantly higher gaming taxes compared to other casinos in the state. The current draft indicates a tax rate of 40% on gross gaming revenue.
In contrast, Virginia’s five existing casinos are taxed on a progressive scale ranging from 18% to 30%.
Of the total taxes collected from the Northern Virginia casino, 50% would benefit Fairfax County, while 38% would be allocated to the state to support K-12 educational infrastructure, with 5% earmarked for problem gambling initiatives and another 5% for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The remaining 2% would be shared among the Virginia Indigenous People’s Trust Fund, the Open-Space Lands Preservation Fund, and the Virginia Family and Children’s Trust Fund.
Attractiveness of the Casino Market
While the high entry fee and elevated tax rates might deter potential investors, both Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts have indicated their interest in evaluating the viability of a casino in this affluent area if the opportunity presents itself.
Fairfax County ranks as the fifth-wealthiest in the U.S., boasting a median household income of approximately $128,000.