Virginia Bill Allows Fairfax Voters to Decide on Casino Site
Legislation advancing through Richmond would permit a commercial casino anywhere in Virginia’s Fairfax County, expanding the siting options and setting up a countywide referendum for voter to decide the issue this fall.
Key Takeaways:
- Legislation advances to let Fairfax residents vote on a casino site.
- Previously limited to Tysons Corner, sites can now be anywhere in the county.
- Final approval depends on a local referendum, with ongoing community resistance.
The Senate passed the amended measure on Feb. 13 by a 23-14 margin. The bill (SB756), sponsored by Democratic Senator Scott Surovell, now proceeds to the House of Delegates amid continuing local resistance.
“A majority of voters would still have to approve the referendum,” Virginia Business reports, underscoring that final approval rests with Fairfax residents rather than the Legislature.
Expanded casino site flexibility sets stage for local vote
Supporters frame the change as restoring local choice, while opponents, including the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in a narrowly passed December 2025 resolution, warn of community impacts if a casino is authorized without a clear locally requested plan. Earlier language tying the project to proximity to a Metro Silver Line station was removed before the Feb. 13 Senate vote.
State code requires a local referendum before a gaming license may be issued, meaning the bill’s passage only enables a ballot question. County officials and community groups have publicly opposed casino expansion unless explicitly requested by the Board of Supervisors.
The debate unfolds as Virginia’s nascent casino market posts robust early receipts. January adjusted gaming revenue across the state’s five venues totaled about $81.07 million, a slight dip but overall steady outcome following the rise in November’s numbers.
