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Posted on: March 9, 2026, 04:22h.
Last updated on: March 8, 2026, 02:23h.
- The chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors says the county might not conduct a competitive bid for a casino even if state lawmakers authorize the county to have a casino
- Fairfax homeowners and civic groups are overwhelmingly opposed to a casino
The odds favor Fairfax County in Northern Virginia being made eligible for a casino development. Local officials say state lawmakers are wasting their time.
Designated members of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate will soon meet to iron out legislative differences regarding adding Fairfax to the state’s list of eligible host localities for slots, table games, and sports betting. While both chambers passed Senate Bill 756, the bills differed in their referendum requirements, licensing fees, and revenue allocations.
The Senate version, led by the bill’s original sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), requires a simple majority of voters in Fairfax to approve of a casino for the project to move forward. The House substitute, which the Senate rejected, included a double referendum where countywide voters and a majority of voters within the magisterial district where the casino is being targeted greenlight the development.
The Senate bill proposed splitting the associated tax revenue from a casino in Fairfax 50/50 between the county and state. The House version seeks a $150 million upfront fee, with Fairfax receiving $75 million, but the state retaining 75% of the subsequent gaming tax.
Virginia’s five other casinos paid only $15 million upfront licensing fees.
Much Ado About Nothing
Both versions of Virginia SB756 would allow the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to field bids for a casino.
The statute says the “eligible host locality … shall select a proposed casino.” It does not mandate or force the county to conduct such a competitive bid.
Speaking with WTOP, Jeff McKay, the chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, said even if the chambers find common ground on SB756 and Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signs or allows the bill to become law in one of its current forms, the opportunity will go untouched.
I will not support it going to referendum. I am not going to subject my residents to vote on something that we know is a bad deal,” said McKay.
“This is frankly just a bad financial deal for the residents of Fairfax County. This perpetuates a pattern in Richmond where revenue benefits the state. This is a great deal for the state. They get 75%. We get 25% and all the associated problems with a casino,” said McKay.
Referendum Imposition
McKay says he’s concerned that the conference committee tasked with finalizing SB756 and securing both House and Senate support might include a mandate requiring Fairfax County to conduct a competitive casino bid and present the matter to voters.
At a minimum, the local government should have the authority to determine if a referendum is held,” McKay said.
As Casino.org reported previously, both Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts are monitoring SB756 and have expressed early interest in the possible opportunity.
