Northern Virginia Casino Bill Introduced, Tysons Development Could Cost $6B

A proposal to permit a casino in Northern Virginia, specifically in Tysons, has been reintroduced in the capital of Richmond. This year, though, the initiative has a different, stronger main supporter. 

On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) in Virginia submitted Senate Bill 982. The proposal aims to designate a particular zone in Fairfax County as an allowed site for a commercial casino. At present, casinos featuring slot machines, live dealer games, and sports wagering are permitted to operate solely in Portsmouth, Bristol, Norfolk, Danville, and Petersburg. 

Surovell is leading the initiative for a casino in Northern Virginia, particularly in Tysons, a census-designated area situated between the economic centers of McLean and Vienna, taking over from state Sen. David Marsden (D-Fairfax), who advocated for the effort unsuccessfully last year. 

SB982 aims to launch a countywide referendum to determine if voters are in favor of a casino located within a quarter mile of the Spring Hill Metro station. Surovell’s bill has been sent to the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology for preliminary evaluation. 

Comstock Holds Grand Aspirations 

Marsden initiated the effort to establish a casino in Northern Virginia in collaboration with regional property developer Comstock Companies. Marsden and Comstock CEO Chris Clemente thinks Fairfax is nearing a property tax crisis, and that a casino, hotel, and convention center could help alleviate increasing rates for homeowners. 

Alongside Surovell restarting the NoVA casino legislative battle, Comstock presented its concept of what a casino could resemble in the area. Comstock proposes constructing a large mixed-use development covering up to eight million square feet across 35 acres. 

Comstock indicates that the overall investment might reach nearly $6 billion. The casino would take up only 5% of the venue, while bigger components include a 600-room five-star luxury hotel, a 6K-seat performing arts theater, and the county's inaugural major convention center. 

The developmental plan features residential units, shopping areas, dining establishments, outdoor recreational spaces, and an engaging theater. Comstock states it would collaborate with a casino operator to manage the hotel and gaming venue. Images of the casino element exude the distinctive curved design of Wynn Resorts’ hotel. 

Chances Extended 

Surovell and Comstock's enthusiasm encounters significant resistance, including from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Many homeowners associations, local government entities, and ex-federal workers have also shown opposition to a casino. 

MGM Resorts is likely to advocate against SB982 to safeguard its interests in nearby Maryland, where it runs MGM National Harbor right across the Potomac River. 

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay (D), who has lived in the county all his life, asserts that local officials oppose a casino. The supervisors have allocated a section of the county’s website to promote the casino.

"Tysons is not declining, it is growing. The casino bill is a distraction that should never impact the most valuable real estate in the Commonwealth. It also creates uncertainty that could make attracting additional major employers more challenging,” the supervisors wrote.

“Fairfax County has an ambitious, community-support comprehensive plan for transit station areas around all Silver Line stations. A casino is not in those plans, and brazen attempts by developers and casino operators to buy necessary government approvals is a fool’s errand at best, and unethical at worst,” the statement concluded.