Close to $1M Spent in Opposition of Tysons Casino

Talks about a proposed casino in Fairfax County, Virginia, continue. Supporters and opponents of the proposed Tysons casino project have clashed since 2023. Not unexpectedly, donations and lobbying efforts play a key role in such processes and the casino project is no exception.

Now, a new report suggests that close to $1 million was spent on lobbying and donations by opponents of the proposed casino project.

Tysons Casino Opponents Complete Donations, Support Lobbyists

As announced by Patch earlier this week, lobbying and donations have cost opponents of Tysons casino, more than $755,000 since 2023. MGM Resorts International, the owner of the popular MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino located in Maryland and a recognizable entertainment and gaming company, is on the list of opponents of the Tysons casino project.

Per the recent report, during the 2024 legislative session, MGM Resorts spent some $222,367 in order to reimburse and retain a total of six lobbyists. This is evident based on data from the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Council. Money dedicated to lobbying is usually reported to the Council by June 30.

While the data for the 2024 legislative session is already released, it is yet to be seen how much the lobbyists have received for the 2025 legislative session. That information is expected to be released on July 1, 2025.

In addition, the recognizable betting and gaming company donated nearly $41,000, supporting campaign committees or political action committees consisting of Virginia General Assembly lawmakers between 2023 and 2024. This data is confirmed by filings with the state board of elections.

Another half a million was also spent in opposition to the proposed casino project. That is the case for a PR company called PLUS Communications. Reportedly, the firm spent some $492,780 to back the opposition of Tysons casino by two corporations.

Supporters and Opponents of the Casino Project Clash

The future of Tysons casino is yet to be decided. This is because there are two bills that propose to greenlight the project with one proposal expected soon while the other one carried to the 2025 legislative session from the last session.

In contrast to the $755,000 spent in opposition to the project, supporters of the proposed Tysons casino have spent approximately $2 million. The sum seeks to raise awareness of the importance of the project and help a casino referendum bill go up for a vote.

On the other hand, opponents of the project recently raised concerns, warning that it may have an impact on national security. More than 100 experts recognized that Tysons casino may pose a threat to national security, considering that it is within close proximity of strategic defense structures and contractors, as well as intelligence agencies.

Those concerns were detailed in a letter sent to all members of the two houses of the Virginia General Assembly, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, as well as members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The strategic national security establishments provide employment to more than 20,000 federal workers. Per the recent letter, the proposed casino project may create challenges such as security risks or the threat of blackmail, among other potential issues tied to national security.