One Week to Decide: Virginia Gov. Urged to Veto Casino Bill

Lawmakers representing Northern Virginia are urging Gov. Abigail Spanberger to say no to legislation that could open the door to a highly-debated casino in Fairfax County, as opposition continues to grow among local officials and residents.

At the center of the debate is Senate Bill 756, which would enable the county to look into the possibility of building a casino in Tysons. This proposal has sparked a great deal of concern in one of Virginia’s most affluent and densely populated areas, where many feel the project does not reflect community priorities.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has been pretty clear about its position on the matter: they never asked for a casino. 

The board has formally opposed the idea and asked that the governor veto the bill, a position firmly backed by a series of civic groups and homeowner associations, all warning of the potentially disastrous effects of a large-scale gaming resort.

“Now Is the Time, Do Not Wait” 

Several state lawmakers are now amplifying those concerns. Speaking at a recent community event, Del. Rip Sullivan urged residents to make their voices heard.

“This is my call to action: Now is the time, do not wait. You need to let her know,” he said during an event sponsored by the McLean Citizens Association, according to reports from FFXNow.

State Sen. Jennifer Boysko followed suit, asking locals to reach out to the governor and express their views.

“I have been asking my friends and neighbors to reach out to the governor,” Boysko said. “Let her know that this is important to us. We all need to work together.”

Those who stand behind the bill, including Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, believe a casino could generate significant tax revenue and make the state more competitive when compared to nearby gambling hubs like Maryland’s MGM National Harbor. 

Supporters also point to ongoing budget pressures in Fairfax County, where property tax revenue has not fully recovered since the pandemic.

Even so, the bill does not automatically approve a casino. If signed into law, it would only allow the county to begin a bidding process and eventually put the question to voters in a referendum.Gov. Spanberger now faces a decision with a fast-approaching deadline on April 13. Her choice will determine whether the proposal moves forward or stops before reaching the public ballot.