Fairfax Casino Bill Amended to Allow Location Anywhere in County

State lawmakers remove requirement for casino to be near Tysons Metro, broadening the proposal

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A proposed Fairfax County casino bill has been amended to remove the requirement that it be built near a Tysons Metro station, allowing it to be located anywhere in the county. The change broadens Senate Bill 756, which would authorize a casino with a hotel, restaurants, and retail space, marking the fourth consecutive year the issue has been considered. County leaders and the No Fairfax Casino Coalition remain strongly opposed, as the bill now heads to the full Virginia Senate before moving to the House.

Why it matters

The removal of the Tysons location requirement significantly expands where a casino could potentially be built in Fairfax County, despite ongoing opposition from local leaders and community groups who argue a casino would undermine the county's successful business community and quality of life.

The details

The legislation no longer limits a proposed Fairfax County casino to be within a quarter mile of a Silver Line Metro station. A location near the Spring Hill Metro station in Tysons was the one site being considered, originally. Now, the newly amended version of Senate Bill 756 would allow for a casino to be built just about anywhere in Fairfax County. The casino would include restaurants, a hotel and retail stores.

  • The Virginia General Assembly has considered legislation to greenlight a casino for Fairfax County for the fourth consecutive year.

The players

Scott Surovell

A Virginia state senator who represents parts of Fairfax County and is the sponsor of the casino bill.

Lynne Mulston

A member of the No Fairfax Casino Coalition, a group that remains firmly opposed to the prospect of any casino development in Fairfax County.

No Fairfax Casino Coalition

A community group that is opposed to the prospect of a casino being built anywhere in Fairfax County.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

The county's governing body, which has expressed opposition to the casino proposal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is opposition to opening a casino in Fairfax County from a majority of the County Board of Supervisors and members of the No Fairfax Casino Coalition.”

— Scott Surovell, Virginia state senator (fox5dc.com)

“Although the substitute version of the bill is intended to broaden the narrow location parameters of the original bill, our coalition, local businesses, and residents remain firmly opposed to the prospect of any casino development anywhere in Fairfax County. Further, this legislation undermines Fairfax County's land use authority, despite the Board of Supervisors having clearly and repeatedly expressed their opposition.”

— Lynne Mulston, Member, No Fairfax Casino Coalition (fox5dc.com)

“We are representing the people of Fairfax County. And our primary goal is to correct the record and challenge the misinformation that is being promoted by casino proponents. Fairfax County's diverse and successful business community does not need this brand of economic development to remain a premier place to live and work.”

— Lynne Mulston, Member, No Fairfax Casino Coalition (fox5dc.com)

What’s next

The legislation now goes before the full Virginia Senate for a series of votes. It would then go to the Virginia House, which killed last year's version of the legislation.

The takeaway

The removal of the Tysons location requirement significantly expands where a casino could potentially be built in Fairfax County, despite ongoing opposition from local leaders and community groups who argue a casino would undermine the county's successful business community and quality of life.