Virginia lawmakers are considering a measure that could expand Northern Virginia’s commercial gaming industry. Expected to be filed in January, the bill would allow local voters to have their say on a potential new commercial casino in Tysons.
Marsden Has Been Trying to Get a Casino Going for Years
Championed by Virginia Senator Dave Marsden, the new measure would seek to cement Fairfax County as the home to a new commercial casino property. This wouldn’t be the first time he has tried to get a local casino going either and would represent the third year in a row, in which he has introduced a local casino bill.
The previous effort to launch a local casino was struck down by the Senate Finance & Appropriations Resources, which postponed it for the 2025 session. However, since it was determined that it wouldn’t receive a favorable vote that would place it on the statute on the 2025 legislative agenda, Marsden plans to file a new version of the bill.
Marsden is expected to file a new measure when the Senate convenes on January 8.
Economic Benefits Aren’t Enough to Convince Everyone
In any case, a casino in Tysons wouldn’t be something that only lawmakers get to have a say on. Despite the promises of economic benefits, Fairfax County leaders and associations have remained largely opposed to the idea.
Because of that, Marsden plans to conduct a new poll to determine whether more locals would be inclined to support the casino if they properly understand how it could enhance the county. Among other things, he argues that the tax revenue generated by the property could potentially lead to lower taxes in other areas.
Marsden believes that the local property tax is especially problematic and believes that a casino could minimize the tax weight on homeowners’ shoulders.
While town Tysons town leaders, homeowners’ associations and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors have opposed the construction of a local casino, other groups, such as the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, Northern Virginia AFL-CIO and Unite Here Local 23 have expressed support for the legalization. Among other arguments, proponent groups say that a casino resort in the region would not only generate significant tax revenue but would also create a multitude of new jobs.
