Bill to authorize casino in D.C. suburbs passes first hurdle in Virginia senate

Monday, January 20, 2025 8:14 PM
  • Michael O'Connell, Patch

Legislation that would pave the way for a casino to be built in Tysons was approved Monday by the Gaming Subcommittee of the Virginia Senate.

Senate Bill 982 — which would give the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors the power to put a casino referendum on a ballot for residents to decide — passed on a 5-2 vote with Sen. Adam P. Ebbin (D-Alexandria) abstaining. The bill now moves back to the full General Laws & Technology Committee for consideration at its next scheduled meeting on Wednesday.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon), the chief patron of the bill, told subcommittee members that Virginia needed a “crown jewel” like Maryland’s MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino.