Virginia Gov. Spanberger Vetoes Bill to Approve Massive Fairfax Casino

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) made a critical decision on the future of a proposed casino in Northern Virginia. 

Senate Bill 756, which aimed to authorize a casino and entertainment complex in Tysons in Fairfax, was approved by both chambers of the state Congress and sent to Spanberger for approval. However, the Virginia Governor decided to veto the bill on Thursday, ending proponents’ hopes of bringing a gambling den into one of the most affluent areas in the U.S.

Spanberger ultimately cited the lack of local support as one of the primary reasons behind her decision.

VA Gov. says no to Fairfax casino

Signing SB 756 or taking no action and allowing it to default would have woven the proposal into law, thereby moving Fairfax closer to housing live-dealer table games, slot machines, poker, and more attractions.

Spanberger’s decision to use her veto power represents a major blow to the casino industry, especially as Virginia’s gaming ecosystem continues to grow.

"Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 756 as it would strip the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors of control over the local approval process, require the county to set a referendum, and set a broader precedent,” Spanberger wrote in her confirmation of the veto. “Per existing law, once the General Assembly decides a locality is 'eligible' for a casino regardless of the locality’s preferences, the local governing board has a non-discretionary, ministerial duty to adopt a resolution and petition the court to hold the referendum.”

She went on to detail the importance of local support, and the lack thereof, in this case.

“While this legislation only affects Fairfax County, it would set a precedent that could be used to bring casino referendums to other localities where the local governing boards may similarly oppose such efforts,” she wrote. “Accordingly, I veto this bill.”

Her decision primarily reflects the sentiment of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which previously voted to oppose all casino legislation, regardless of the details. One local Senator sponsored the bill and the push to get a casino added to Fairfax County, although the majority of local officials expressed their displeasure with casino legislation.

Disappointment from a key voice

If approved, the bill would have allowed but not required the Board of Supervisors to vet possible developer companies and eventually launched a ballot referendum. The casino complex would have been built near the Spring Hill Metro Station just next to Tysons.

Proponents of a northern Virginia casino touted the positive economic benefits that would have followed. Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties are all among the economically proficient in the country, and they currently lose gamblers to nearby MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, just across the state border on the other side of the Potomac River.

Despite the financial benefit, critics issued concern about security and crime that would follow the 1.5-million-square-foot mixed-use project.

Sen. Majority Leader Scott, the primary sponsor of the bill whose 34th District encompasses part of Fairfax and Fairfax County, said that he was “deeply disappointed” that his top legislative priority was struck down by the Governor.

“The Sphere — one of the most iconic and transformative entertainment venues in the world — is going to MGM National Harbor, not Tysons,” Surovell said. “An independent analysis by (Ernst & Young) projects that venue alone will generate $1.5 billion in annual economic activity for Maryland and nearly 8,000 jobs. That is $1.5 billion every single year flowing to our neighbors across the Potomac — jobs, tax revenue and tourism that belong in Virginia, serving Virginia families. Maryland is competing aggressively for the large-scale entertainment investments of the future. We just handed them another win.”