Legislation that would allow a gaming casino and entertainment district in Tysons passed the Virginia Senate on Tuesday. Virginia Senate Bill 982 passed with a 24-16 vote. It now moves to the House of Delegates.
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell introduced the bill. It’s nearly identical to one introduced by Sen. Dave Marsden in the last two legislative sessions that failed to advance.
“I think this bill is one of the most significant economic development bills you’re going to see this session,” Surovell told the Senate. “There’s something in it for everybody.”
If this current legislation manages to pass the House and is signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors would have the green light to hold a referendum asking voters to approve a gaming facility. The proposed development includes a casino, multiple hotels and restaurants, entertainment venues, and residential units near Tysons Corner Center mall.
The bill’s requirements limit the potential casino to the Tysons area. Under SB 982, the casino must be: outside of the I-495 beltway; one-quarter of a mile from an existing station on the Metro’s Silver Line; part of a coordinated mixed-use project development consisting of no less than 1.5 million square feet; and within 2 miles of a regional enclosed mall.
Opposition to the Bill
The legislation is not without controversy. A Change.org petition opposing the casino has gained more than 4,000 signatures. The group No NOVA Casino cites potential traffic impacts, harm to local businesses, and stress on community resources.
Sen. Jennifer Boysko represents the 38th District, which includes Reston, Herndon, Great Falls, and McLean. She voted against the bill.
“I would not be standing up and opposing this if there were an open process, if they had buy-in from the local community, if this were not micro-targeted for one or two locations,” Boysko said. “Every other time that we have voted to allow a casino, it has been with the support of people that represent that area, it has been with the support of the people who live in that community.”
Sen. Saddam Salim represents the 37th Senate District, which includes Tysons. “I don’t think the casino’s going to fix our problems,” he said during deliberations.
Other Virginia Casinos
In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed HB4, allowing casinos overseen by the Virginia Lottery Board. Under the law, cities passing certain criteria are able to open a land-based casino.
Last October, The Rose opened in Dumfries. The site includes a casino, off-track betting room, two sit-down restaurants, and a food court with six eateries. The site also features 1,650 historical horse racing terminals.
Other Virginia casinos are currently operating in Norfolk, Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville.
Feature image courtesy Aidan Howe/stock.adobe.com
