Virginia Senator Plans to Re-Introduce Legislation for Casino in Wealthy Tysons Corner

Despite Opposition, Several County Board Members Express Willingness to Support a Referendum

State Sen. David Marsden, D-Fairfax, is planning to re-introduce legislation that would allow Fairfax County to hold a referendum on building a casino, convention center, concert hall, hotel, and other amenities in Tysons Corner.
Marsden argues that a casino and entertainment on the Silver Line will be a boon to Dulles Airport, bring union jobs, and help Fairfax County's commercial tax base which has diminished post-pandemic.
Opponents, including Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn, argue that a casino along the Silver Line is a waste of the region’s most valuable real estate and that the amount of money pro-casino interests can throw at a ballot measure makes it 'bad politics'.
A study commissioned in 2019 by the the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee found that a northern Virginia casino could generate $155 million annually in tax revenue, nearly double the revenue projected for a Richmond casino.
Despite opposition, several members of the county board of supervisors expressed willingness to support a referendum, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office declined comment on whether he would sign a casino bill.