Virginia Senator Proposes Legislation for Casino in Fairfax County

A New Horizon: Virginia Senator Unveils Casino Legislation for Fairfax County

In a significant legislative move, Senator Dave Marsden of Fairfax County, Virginia, has unveiled a bill aimed at laying the groundwork for the establishment of a casino in the region. This proposal marks a renewed effort to bring the allure of a resort-style casino to the area, with a clear vision and stringent criteria for its location.

A Second Attempt with a Refined Focus

Senator Marsden’s latest endeavor follows a previous attempt in the preceding year, where he introduced a bill advocating for a casino in Reston. However, that proposal was later withdrawn, with Marsden citing concerns that it was “too rushed” at the time. This time, the approach is more measured and tailored to maximize its chances of success.

Tysons Emerges as the Sole Contender

The current bill excludes Reston as a potential location and designates Tysons as the sole contender for the casino venture. It sets forth specific criteria for the ideal location, including proximity to the Metro Silver Line, involvement in a mixed-use project, avoidance of flight paths from Dulles airport, adjacency to a major shopping destination, and positioning outside the Interstate 495 Beltway.

Marsden clarifies that the bill’s language confines the casino’s placement to a specific parcel in Tysons, precisely at a “defunct auto dealership on Route 7.” This precision aims to strike a balance between economic development and responsible urban planning.

The Legislative Journey and County Referendum

The legislative process for the casino project involves the bill passing through both chambers of Virginia’s General Assembly and ultimately securing approval from Governor Glenn Youngkin. Once signed into law, the bill triggers a county-level process where the Fairfax County Board would need to request a referendum.

This referendum would allow county residents to have their say on the proposed casino. It empowers the citizens to determine whether they want to proceed with this ambitious project, recognizing the significance of such decisions on the community.

A Vision Beyond the Casino

While the casino is a focal point of the project, an unnamed developer associated with the endeavor envisions a more expansive vision. This vision extends beyond gambling to encompass a vast convention center, hotels, restaurants, office spaces, and residential areas. The developer, choosing anonymity due to the project’s early stage and competitiveness, underscores that this is merely the beginning of an exciting and transformative journey.

Evaluating the Prospects

Fairfax County officials are expected to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the casino project’s potential benefits. These considerations include revenue generation and the broader impact on residents, as well as addressing challenges stemming from reduced commercial real estate tax revenue, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A study conducted by Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) in 2019 projected that a casino in Northern Virginia could generate a substantial $155 million annually in gambling revenue and contribute an estimated 4,400 new jobs to the region.

Senator Marsden’s bill marks a pivotal moment in the quest to bring a casino to Fairfax County, and its careful approach and community involvement reflect a commitment to responsible and sustainable development.