MGM, others spent $755K to defeat bill allowing casino in Virginia’s D.C. suburbs

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 9:33 PM
Photo:  Shutterstock
  • Michael O'Connell, Patch

Opponents of the proposed Tysons casino have spent more than $755,000 in donations and on lobbying efforts to influence lawmakers in Virginia since the beginning of 2023.

MGM Resorts International, which owns the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino in Maryland, donated $40,750 to political action committees or the campaign committees of various lawmakers in the Virginia General Assembly during 2023-2024, according to campaign finance reports filed with the state board of elections.

Also, MGM Resorts spent $222,367 to retain and reimburse six lobbyists during the 2024 legislative session. In addition, PLUS Communications, an Arlington-based public relations firm paid $492,780 to support two corporations formed to oppose the Tysons casino effort and neighborhood slot machines, usually identified as skills games.