Virginia Lawmakers Advance Fairfax Casino Plan with Significant Amendments

Efforts to establish a casino in Northern Virginia remain active even as lawmakers add new requirements that could delay construction and increase costs. On Tuesday, the Virginia House General Laws Committee voted 12–7 to advance Senate Bill 756 to the Appropriations Committee. The proposal would allow Fairfax County to host casino gaming, marking a significant milestone in Virginia’s efforts to establish another full-scale resort.

The Bill Underwent Major Changes

If approved, SB 756 would permit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to accept bids for a casino development project offering slot machines, table games, and retail sports wagering. Current laws mandate that such venues may only operate in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Petersburg, and Portsmouth. However, multiple amendments mean that SB756 is now noticeably different from its Senate version.

Lawmakers introduced significant changes to the legislation, aiming to increase oversight and address concerns raised by residents and local officials. The most notable amendment raises the casino licensing fee from $15 million to $150 million. Half of that amount would be returned to the host locality through the Virginia Lottery. Developers would also need to contribute to local development and ensure robust labor protections.

A new referendum requirement could also hamper potential development. Even if voters countywide approve the project, it would still need majority backing from residents in the specific district where the casino would be constructed. If either vote fails, Fairfax would be barred from holding a new referendum on the matter for three years.

Local Support Remains Uncertain

According to supporters, the additional guardrails introduced through the amendments would strike a balance between economic development and local control. A 40% tax on adjusted gross revenue would funnel half of the proceeds back to the community. The tax revenue would also support initiatives to mitigate gambling-related harm, transit improvements, and school construction.

Despite these changes, opposition remains strong. A 2025 poll of 500 Fairfax County voters found that 64% were against a high-profile casino in the area. A significant portion of survey participants feared that such a development would worsen traffic in busy commercial corridors, while others were concerned about the negative effects on nearby small businesses.

Despite skepticism, casino expansion does have supporters. Proponents argue that a resort-style development could offset shrinking commercial property tax revenue, bolster employment, and revitalize the local economy through tourism. If Fairfax voters fail to approve a referendum by July 1, 2029, the bill would automatically expire. However, with several years to reach a solution, the prospect of a Fairfax casino remains a possibility.