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Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed legislation April 9 that would have allowed Fairfax County voters to decide whether to bring a casino to Tysons, halting this year’s effort to establish a gambling and entertainment hub in the county.
The decision over Senate Bill 756, titled “Casino gaming; eligible host localities,” exposed a sharp split between casino supporters, who saw the proposal as an economic opportunity, and county leaders and residents who argued that it lacked local support.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said he was deeply disappointed by the veto. He described the bill as Northern Virginia labor’s top legislative priority and cited support from the region’s major building trades unions and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
Surovell also pointed to plans for the Sphere entertainment venue to locate at MGM National Harbor in Maryland rather than Tysons. He argued that SB 756 would only have authorized a local referendum, leaving Fairfax County voters with the final decision.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay welcomed the veto, saying it demonstrated respect for local authority. Speaking for the board and the county’s more than 1 million residents, he thanked Spanberger for giving local leaders an opportunity to explain their concerns.
McKay said residents had expressed overwhelming opposition to placing a casino in Fairfax County.
The No Fairfax Casino Coalition also praised Spanberger’s decision. Steering committee chair Lynne Mulston said the veto rejected a special carveout for Tysons and protected public trust and responsible governance.
The coalition questioned the financial case for the casino, arguing that its projected economic benefits had not been independently verified. It also said the legislation relied on uncertain fiscal assumptions while overlooking possible added costs and meaningful local input.
The following morning, Mulston criticized Surovell’s continued pursuit of the proposal and disputed the credibility of the revenue projections used to support it.
The coalition said it favors creating a vibrant entertainment district in Northern Virginia but maintained that a world-class destination does not need a casino. It urged officials to preserve the long-term plans already established for Tysons and Fairfax County.