For the past three years, Mayor Linda Colbert and the Vienna Town Council have worked tirelessly to oppose a casino in Tysons. Despite their efforts, the Virginia General Assembly recently passed Senate Bill 756, which would allow a casino to be built in Tysons — if Fairfax County voters approve it in a referendum. Now, local leaders are urging Governor Abigail Spanberger to veto the measure.
“The Vienna Town Council has always strongly opposed any legislation that would pave the way for a casino in Tysons or anywhere in Fairfax County,” Mayor Colbert said in a press release dated March 17, 2026. “This measure ignores the concerns of our community, and the Town Council and I will continue to work with our regional partners to prevent a casino from being established in our area.”
Timeline of the Tysons Casino Bill
- January 21, 2026: SB 756 was introduced to allow Fairfax County to host a casino as part of a large mixed-use development near a Silver Line station. Local officials immediately voiced opposition, stating the county did not request such legislation.
- Late January – Early February: The bill moved through Senate subcommittees and committees, initially allowing casino eligibility across Fairfax, raising concerns from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
- Mid-February: Public debate intensified over economic benefits versus potential traffic and infrastructure impacts. Estimates projected millions in annual tax revenue for the state, while residents and leaders warned of local costs and quality-of-life concerns.
- March 13: The Senate passed a revised version including a temporary casino provision, allowing a casino to operate for up to five years without local approval, overseen instead by a state commission. Proponents argued it could bring early revenue and economic activity.
- Local Opposition: Fairfax officials, Vienna leaders, and community groups strongly opposed the temporary casino, calling it an end-run around local control. Critics argued it ignored community concerns and could disrupt planning in Tysons, a major economic hub.
- March 14–16: A conference committee removed the temporary casino language, restricted the casino to Tysons, and clarified that voter approval via referendum is required.
- March 16–17: The final bill passed both chambers of the General Assembly and now awaits action by Governor Spanberger, who has not yet announced whether she will sign or veto the measure.
Vienna leaders, along with Fairfax County Chair Jeffrey McKay and Supervisors including Walter Alcorn, remain strongly opposed. The No Tysons Casino Coalition is mobilizing residents to contact the governor and express opposition.
Town of Vienna public information office notice encourages Vienna residents to contact Governor Spanberger’s office and share their concerns via email at abigail.spanberger@governor.virginia.gov, by phone at (804) 786-2211 or via letter, mailed to Commonwealth of Virginia Constituent Services, P.O. Box 1475, Richmond, Va. 23218
Mayor Colbert stated, “I am grateful to our residents for sharing their concerns with the General Assembly, and to Supervisor Alcorn, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and state Delegates and Senators supporting our no-casino position.”
The 2026 session also saw other gaming-related legislation, including attempts to regulate skill games and create a state gaming commission. While some bills passed, others stalled, leaving oversight of Virginia’s expanding gaming landscape fragmented. The temporary casino amendment in SB 756 highlighted the ongoing tension between state authority and local control.
Even if Governor Spanberger signs SB 756, a casino cannot be built without a local referendum. Fairfax officials have indicated they may not place a referendum on the ballot, meaning residents could still prevent the casino from opening. Meanwhile, local leaders urge residents to stay engaged and voice their opinions while the bill awaits the governor’s decision.
