Published on: October 13, 2025, at 11:46 AM.
Updated on: October 13, 2025, at 11:56 AM.
- Polling indicates that residents of Northern Virginia are against casino gambling
- Legislation to permit a casino resort in Fairfax County is ongoing
The initiative to introduce a casino in Northern Virginia has encountered significant resistance from homeowners’ associations, community organizations, and local government officials. Recent polling shows that public sentiment also strongly opposes a Las Vegas-style resort.
A survey by Global Strategy Group, a public affairs consulting firm, indicates that among likely voters in Fairfax County and the Greater Tysons area, 75% oppose the idea of a casino. Close to half of the nearly 1,000 respondents voiced strong opposition to gambling in this affluent region, home to many Fortune 500 companies.
“Fairfax voters have made it clear: they do not want a casino in their county, and they reject the notion that it will benefit the local economy or reduce taxes,” stated Ryan O’Toole, Co-Executive Director of Freedom Virginia, the organization that commissioned the poll.
Freedom Virginia focuses on “promoting policies that empower Virginians to prosper.”
Only 23% of the surveyed likely voters would support a local referendum allowing slot machines, table games, and sports betting in Fairfax County. Nearly 90% concurred that a casino would worsen traffic congestion, while 76% believed that Northern Virginians already have ample gambling options.
Ongoing Advocacy
For several years, Virginia Senator Dave Marsden (D-Fairfax) has partnered with the local real estate firm Comstock Companies to urge the General Assembly to let Fairfax County voters consider a casino development.
Comstock, a campaign supporter of Marsden and other state lawmakers who back the Northern Virginia casino initiative, aims to develop a casino resort near Route 7 at Chain Bridge Road in Tysons. This site includes land previously occupied by an auto dealership, now owned by Comstock.
Marsden and fellow advocates, including Senators Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), Lamont Bagby (D-Henrico), Stella Pekarsky (D-Fairfax), and Todd Pillion (R-Washington), assert that a casino in Northern Virginia would yield substantial local and state tax revenue, while preventing funds from being diverted to Maryland, home of MGM National Harbor.
Marsden argues that a casino could address some of the financial challenges Fairfax County has experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With many businesses allowing remote work, the area’s large office buildings have observed decreased occupancy rates, leading to reduced property tax assessments and local revenue.
While Marsden admits to not being an advocate for gambling, he notes that alternative proposals to resolve the county’s property tax shortfall have been scarce.
“I’m not in favor of casinos or gambling. However, you must either compete or risk decline in this competitive landscape,” Marsden remarked in May during “The Politics Hour.” “You must work with the cards you’ve been dealt.”
Additionally, President Donald Trump’s objective to cut federal spending has led to a reduction in government contracts, affecting various businesses and consulting firms in the area.
Voter Doubts on Revenue Justifications
The Freedom Virginia poll regarding a Northern Virginia casino reveals substantial skepticism among voters about the county’s alleged revenue issues, contending that without alternative revenue sources, residents would be responsible for covering the costs necessary to maintain a high quality of life, characterized by low crime rates and excellent schools.
The survey indicated that merely 21% of voters deem a casino necessary for addressing the county’s financial challenges. In contrast, around 76% believe the affluent and prominent businesses should contribute their fair share to help resolve funding dilemmas.
According to the 2020 US Census, the median household income in Fairfax County stands at $127,900, making it the fifth-wealthiest locality in the nation.