Legislation that could pave the way for a casino in Fairfax County advanced this week in the Virginia Senate, keeping alive a proposal that would loosen location rules and potentially allow development near the Metro Silver Line. Senate Bill 756, introduced by Senator Scott Surovell from Mount Vernon, removes earlier language that limited a Fairfax casino to specific sites, instead giving county leaders broader discretion to consider transit-oriented locations.
Summary As Introduced (https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB756)
Casino gaming; eligible host localities. Adds Fairfax County to the list of localities eligible to host a casino in the Commonwealth and provides that any proposed site for a casino gaming establishment considered by Fairfax County shall be (i) located within one-quarter of a mile of an existing station on the Metro Silver Line, (ii) part of a coordinated mixed-use project development consisting of no less than 1.5 million square feet, (iii) within two miles of a regional enclosed mall containing not less than 1.5 million square feet of gross building area, and (iv) outside of the Interstate 495 Beltway.
Local stations WJLA and FOX 5 DC reported the measure’s progress as lawmakers debated economic benefits and community concerns.
Supporters say a casino could generate tax revenue, create construction and hospitality jobs, and attract visitors to Northern Virginia. They argue Fairfax’s access to rail transit and its proximity to Washington make it a strong candidate for a destination resort.
Critics say the proposal could worsen traffic, increase problem gambling and alter the county’s character. Community groups have begun organizing meetings and urging supervisors to oppose any future project.
This bill passed the Senate on February 13, 2026 by a 23-Y and 14-N vote:
YEAS–Bagby, Carroll Foy, Craig, Deeds, Diggs, Durant, Jones, Jordan, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, Mulchi, Peake, Pekarsky, Perry, Pillion, Reeves, Rouse, Stanley, Stuart, Sturtevant, Surovell, Williams Graves–23
NAYS–Boysko, Cifers, DeSteph, Ebbin, Favola, Hackworth, Head, McDougle, Obenshain, Roem, Salim, Srinivasan, Suetterlein, VanValkenburg–14
NOT VOTING–Aird, French, McPike–3
Jones: Senator Jones stated that he voted yea on the question of the passage of S.B. 756, whereas he intended to vote nay.
Even if SB756 becomes law, a casino would still require approval from county officials and Fairfax voters in a public referendum. No site has been selected, and county leaders say no formal proposal is under review.
The bill now heads to additional votes in Richmond. If approved, it would shift the question from where a casino could be built to whether Fairfax residents want one at all.
