The decision on whether Richmond, Petersburg, or both cities can vote to host the state’s fifth casino is yet to be resolved by the Virginia General Assembly.
However, is it possible for Fairfax County to join the Virginia casino scene with a late bid?
Virginia leaders have directed House Bill 2499 to the Committee on General Laws, making it possible to expand the eligibility for a casino vote to any locality, not limited to cities alone.
The bill was introduced by Del. Wren Williams, a Republican from Rocky Mount. While not explicitly mentioning Fairfax County, the proposal’s language makes it unmistakable. The locality is required to fulfill certain criteria that are already established for cities, which include thresholds based on:
- unemployment rates
- poverty rates
- population decreases
- Real estate that is not subject to taxation and additional qualifying factors.
Furthermore, HB 2499 introduces a provision in the bill that allows counties with a population exceeding 1 million based on the 2021 population estimates to participate in casino voting. Additionally, the designated casino location must also qualify as a mixed-use facility.
- within a quarter-mile distance of an existing station on the Metro Silver Line
- “not within the flight path of Dulles airport”
- “beyond the confines of the Interstate 495 Beltway.”
According to Jakob Cordes from station WRIC, there would only be a few possible locations remaining in the densely-populated areas of Tyson’s Corner and the outskirts of Reston.
Now, let’s examine the most recent bidding for a Virginia casino in the “locality”.
Where is Fairfax County and why does it matter?
Fairfax County is the area in Virginia that constitutes a part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan region. In fact, it boasts the largest population among all the localities in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area. The inclusion of a casino in Fairfax County would surpass Richmond and/or Petersburg as the northernmost suggested location for a casino.
A casino in Fairfax County, VA would directly compete with Maryland’s biggest casino, MGM National Harbor, which attracts gamblers from the Beltway area who cross the Potomac River to Oxon Hill.
- Located west of I-495 near McLean, VA, Tysons Corner stands as an unincorporated district and a thriving center for retail. With two renowned regional shopping malls, it attracts visitors from far and wide. Moreover, Tysons Corner proudly hosts the corporate headquarters of esteemed companies such as Capital One, Freddie Mac, Gannett, Hilton Worldwide, and various others.
- Located in the D.C. metro area, Reston lies approximately nine miles towards the west of Tysons and boasts a closer proximity to Washington Dulles International Airport. Notably, Rolls-Royce North America and Lending Tree International serve as prominent corporate entities within the region.
Is 2025 more likely?
Williams, the Republican Delegate and sponsor of the bill, received bipartisan support from both sides of the aisle and also gained support in another legislative chamber. However, during an interview with John Gonzalez at WJLA-TV, Virginia Sen. David Marsden, a Democrat from Burke, revealed that he had intended to sponsor the bill in the Senate. Unfortunately, the senator informed 7News in D.C. that he would be withdrawing the legislation this week.
According to Marsden, the bill was hurriedly passed, which he believes was not ideal. He believes it is necessary to thoroughly examine the economic consequences of establishing a casino in northern Virginia. Nevertheless, he did show support for the overall concept.
Based on our discussions with friends in northern Virginia, we have discovered a genuine interest in seeking new and diverse entertainment choices. We perceive this as a remarkable chance to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and generate revenue that can positively impact the entire Commonwealth. The legislation we have proposed offers northern Virginia residents the opportunity to explore such development and determine its suitability for their community.
According to Gonzalez’s report, possible locations for the casino are as follows:
- Tysons
- Wiehle-Reston East
- Reston Town Center
- Herndon and
- Innovation Center.
In March 2019, during a session four sessions ago, the Virginia General Assembly successfully enacted a legislation to establish five host casino cities namely Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond. In the year 2020, the Virginia gaming industry achieved a perfect score of four successes. However, Richmond, having delayed its bid for a year, unfortunately fell short in 2021.
There is a desire from the city to attempt another vote in the 2025 cycle, however, individuals in support of Petersburg are making efforts to hinder a potential second vote.
The possibility of a northern Virginia bid could further enhance the gambling industry in the state, but it also has the potential to create challenges for the cities situated further south.
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