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A proposal that could clear the way for a casino in Fairfax County is headed to the full Virginia House of Delegates after surviving its latest committee vote.
The House Appropriations Committee voted 18-4 on Friday to advance Senate Bill 756, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell. The action follows three legislative attempts by two patrons, including a similar measure that was set aside last year.
All three Fairfax County delegates on the committee opposed advancing the bill: Paul Krizek, Kathy Tran and Charniele Herring. Del. Marcia Price of Newport News also voted against it after previously raising concerns about Virginia’s growing reliance on gambling revenue.
Before the vote, the committee adopted a substitute removing several conditions added under Krizek, who chairs the House General Laws Committee. The measure now more closely resembles the version approved by the state Senate on Feb. 13.
The revised legislation drops a requirement that a casino referendum receive majority support both across Fairfax County and within the magisterial district where the project would be built. A countywide referendum would still be required.
Lawmakers also removed provisions requiring the developer to pay prevailing wages to construction and hospitality workers and enter into union agreements.
Krizek’s version would have increased the casino license fee from $15 million to $150 million. It also proposed a 40% tax on casino earnings, with the proceeds divided equally between Fairfax County and the state. Those changes were stripped from the bill.
Some added conditions remain. A future casino operator would have to voluntarily commit to building, financing or providing land for at least one public safety facility serving the surrounding area. The Virginia Lottery would also have to make public any documents describing agreements between the operator and local government.
The casino would have to be part of a mixed-use development containing at least 1.5 million square feet. The project could include a hotel, conference center or large concert venue.
Fairfax County’s authority to pursue a casino would expire July 1, 2029, if voters have not approved one by then.
Committee members did not discuss the proposal before voting. Legislative fiscal analyst David Reynolds said the substitute complies with current law regarding the casino application fee and distribution of tax revenue.
Surovell, whose district includes southeastern Fairfax County and who carried the county’s 2025 casino legislation, said shortly after 5 p.m. that he had not yet reviewed the House committee’s changes because he was leaving the Senate chamber when the vote occurred.
The Appropriations Committee also advanced legislation to legalize internet gaming and study rules governing fantasy contests. Separately, Krizek’s proposal to create a statewide commission overseeing all forms of gambling was sent Wednesday, Feb. 25, to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.
SB 756 could reach the House floor as early as Monday, March 2, when delegates are scheduled to reconvene at noon.
Reston Association, among several homeowners’ groups opposing a Fairfax County casino, urged residents who share its position to contact their delegates. The organization argued that the noise, traffic and other activity associated with a casino would threaten the planning that has shaped Reston as a place to live, work and play.