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A proposal that could have cleared the way for a casino in Tysons has effectively collapsed for 2025, but developer Comstock says it remains committed to pursuing its envisioned entertainment district.
The Virginia House Appropriations Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee declined to advance Senate Bill 982 after a 30-minute hearing on Feb. 12. Although the legislation was not formally defeated, the subcommittee was not scheduled to meet again during the session, leaving little apparent opportunity for another vote.
The decision prompted celebration from residents and Fairfax County officials who had opposed the casino proposal.
Tysons Stakeholders Alliance President Paula Martino said lawmakers had finally heard the public and argued that advancing the bill would have bypassed local authority and community opposition.
Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman called the development “great news.” Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn thanked legislators, fellow supervisors and residents who fought the measure, saying community concerns had prevailed despite substantial private spending.
Introduced by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, a Democrat representing District 34, SB 982 would have added Fairfax County to Virginia’s limited list of localities eligible to host a casino. Passage by the General Assembly and approval from Gov. Glenn Youngkin would have allowed the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to arrange a voter referendum.
Surovell promoted the project as a potential source of new state and county tax revenue. After the bill stalled, he expressed disappointment and urged the subcommittee to schedule a vote before the session ended.
He argued that the proposed development could create thousands of union jobs, help address Fairfax County’s structural revenue challenges and support a Metro system facing declining ridership. He also pointed to federal job losses in Northern Virginia as a reason to pursue new economic development.
Comstock promises to continue
The bill’s failure is unlikely to end the broader casino debate.
Comstock, the developer behind Reston Station and a major supporter of SB 982, has proposed an entertainment district near the Spring Hill Metro station. A casino would anchor the development, which could also feature a hotel, convention center, performing arts venue, housing, an IMAX theater and retail businesses.
Comstock CEO Chris Clemente said the legislation made significant progress compared with a 2024 casino bill that stalled in the Senate. He thanked labor unions and other supporters while pledging to continue advancing the Tysons proposal.
Clemente said the project would generate thousands of union construction and operations jobs and include significant affordable-housing commitments. He also claimed the completed development could produce between $400 million and $500 million in annual tax revenue for Virginia and the local jurisdiction without public financing.
According to Clemente, the district could attract a Fortune 100 company, diversify Northern Virginia’s economy and increase corporate and entertainment tourism through its conference center, concert venue and other attractions.
He blamed the bill’s stalled progress on the shortened legislative session and the influence of an unidentified out-of-state organization that he characterized as holding a de facto monopoly on gaming in Northern Virginia.
Despite the setback, Clemente said Comstock would build on the proposal’s momentum and continue its efforts in the coming months.
Opponents prepare for another fight
Casino opponents are also expecting the issue to return, possibly during the 2026 General Assembly session.
No Fairfax Casino Coalition spokesperson Lynne Mulston said the group would continue monitoring future legislation. The coalition’s supporters included dozens of homeowners’ associations and the Vienna Town Council.
Mulston thanked Sen. Jennifer Boysko for helping lead the opposition, along with residents who signed petitions, contacted legislators, donated money, displayed yard signs, attended rallies and traveled to Richmond.
The coalition argued that Fairfax County’s government had not requested the casino authorization, unlike the local governments associated with Virginia’s five other authorized casinos. It also alleged that the bill’s site requirements were tailored to benefit Comstock’s property and potentially one other nearby location.
Opponents maintain that a casino is inconsistent with long-term plans for Tysons. Because SB 982 followed another unsuccessful casino effort sponsored by Sen. Dave Marsden in 2024, the coalition believes similar legislation is likely to surface again.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, who had previously raised concerns without taking an unequivocal position against Surovell’s bill, also predicted another attempt.
McKay said he was pleased the legislation had stalled but warned that local officials would fight any renewed proposal unless it offered Fairfax County a substantially better share of the revenue.