Some Virginia lawmakers said they will re-introduce a bill that would let residents of Fairfax County vote on a referendum allowing a casino and conference center at Tysons.
The proposal was introduced by state Senator David Marsden in the 2024 session but a subcommittee voted to continue to research the proposal in 2025.
Currently Virginia hosts three Class III casinos: Caesars Virginia in Danville, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol and Rivers Casino Portsmouth. Also, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe is expected to open HeadWaters Resort & Casino in Norfolk in November 2025. Thirteen sportsbooks also operate in the state.
According to WJLA, Marsden said, “We’re in a situation where people are starting to really pay attention to how much they’re paying in taxes on their homes and on their cars and what have you. We’re already seeing this year $450 on the average home going up on real estate taxes” due to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ approval of a tax increase on homeowners.
Casino revenue could provide relief to homeowners, Marsden said.
Meanwhile, he noted as the demand for office space has declined with more remote workers, commercial tax revenue will continue to decrease and that will impact the county budget.
Per WJLA, he said, “We have a serious situation going on here with a paradigm shift in worker behavior, which has led to huge numbers of office vacancies and much fewer buildings being leased out. And we still have a number of years to go for leases to expire that were taken out before and during the pandemic. And as those leases expire, people are going to come back for much less floor space, just going to put a real hurt on the county’s revenue structure.”
However, a casino is not the solution for some lawmakers. During the 2024 legislative session, state Senator Jennifer Boysko voted against a casino in Tysons. She said, “The Silver Line where this is proposed to put the casino is Class A top real estate in the county. This is where the Fortune 500 companies have come to build their homes. This is where we have focused our economic development for years.”
But per WJLA, Marsden noted, “The goal for Metro originally was to have 60 percent ridership, 40 percent subsidy from the local jurisdictions who were part of Metro. The best we ever got to 40 percent ridership, 60 percent subsidy. Today it’s 15-85 and because of the change in commercial real estate use, and it’s also dramatically impacted what the county owes for its Metro subsidy, so a lot of serious issues to look at here.”
Members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors also have varying opinions about a casino in Tysons. In a broadcast interview, Supervisor Pat Herrity said ultimately the issue must be decided in a voter referendum.
He added Tysons needs an entertainment and business district with a conference center in order to progress. However, he added he’s also concerned that a casino could lead to an increase in crime. He particularly noted Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano is considered by some to be “soft on crime.”
Per WJLA, Supervisor Andres Jimenez said, “Currently nothing has come before the Board of Supervisors for a vote. No matter what happens at the state level, Fairfax County voters would have a chance to decide through a ballot referendum before anyone broke ground on a proposed project. Fairfax County families deserve the best schools, roads and quality of life that we can give.
“Keeping our options open as to funding sources is important for the long-term vision of Fairfax County so long as it aligns with our residents’ decision. Additionally, any projects of this magnitude need to be planned with workers, laborers and our community stakeholders having a significant voice at the table.”
