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A proposed casino in Virginia continues to raise concerns. That is the case with Tysons casino, a project proposed by the developer Comstock that would bring gambling, entertainment and hospitality to Fairfax County.
We recently reported that close to $1 million was spent by opponents of the project. While that sounds like a solid figure, it pales in comparison to the $2 million spent in support of the Tysons casino project.
While one bill was carried from the last legislative session, now, a new proposal seeks to add Fairfax County to the state’s list of eligible jurisdictions for a casino.
New Bill Calls for the Development of a Casino in Tysons
That is the case for Senate Bill 982 (SB 982), introduced by Scott Surovell, a senate majority leader. The proposal was filed on Wednesday this week and referred to the Committee on General Laws and Technology. Similar to the proposal that was carried from the 2024 legislative session, SB 982 aims to greenlight the development of such a casino project.
Surovell’s bill sets out several conditions for the new casino establishment which needs to be located within a quarter of a mile from an existing Metro Silver Line station. Notably, the casino needs to be “within two miles of a regional enclosed mall containing not less than 1.5 million square feet of gross building area” and outside of the Interstate 495 Beltway. In addition, SB 982 proposes the casino to be a part of a project with mixed-use that is no less than 1.5 million square feet.
Tysons Casino Expected to Bring Economic Benefits
Christopher Clemente, Comstock’s CEO, who was recently interviewed by NBC Washington, spoke about the importance and benefits of the proposed project. In the words of the CEO, Tysons generates approximately $250 million in tax revenue per year. According to Clemente, that tax revenue is expected to double with the Tysons casino project.
Comstock’s executive added: “By bringing a casino operation to a development like that, we can do those other things that are beneficial to the community, the county, and the state for that matter, without requiring any public financing of any kind.” Clemente added that the proposed project will also bring nightlife to Tysons, which is missing at the moment.
The financial benefit the project may bring was also on Surovell’s mind. The state senate majority leader estimated that Virginia loses approximately $300 million per year as residents visit MGM National Harbor in nearby Maryland. “I wanna see that $300 million come back to Virginia and pay for schools in Fairfax County and Virginia,” Surovell explained.
The proposed project, which according to defense and intelligence experts represents a threat for national security, is supported by local unions. This is because such development would create temporary and permanent jobs, revitalizing not only the city but the whole county.
Still, the Tysons casino project needs a number of approvals prior to lifting off. Such include approval by the state’s legislators and a signature from the governor before the proposal is put up for a vote in a referendum.
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Jerome García