Virginia Governor Vetoes Fairfax Casino Bill

Spanberger cites lack of local support in decision to block casino referendum

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:34pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a government building or legislative chamber, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows across the facade, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation around the political decision-making process.Governor Spanberger's veto preserves local control over development decisions, but denies potential economic benefits of a casino in Fairfax County.Fairfax Today

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has vetoed a bill that would have forced Fairfax County to hold a referendum on allowing a casino to be built in Tysons Corner. Spanberger argued that the decision should be left to local leaders, who have opposed the measure, rather than being mandated by the state.

Why it matters

The proposed casino in Fairfax County has been a contentious issue, with mixed reactions from the public and state leaders. Spanberger's veto preserves local control over development decisions, but also denies an opportunity for potential economic benefits from a casino.

The details

The vetoed bill would have required the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to call a referendum vote on bringing a casino to Tysons Corner. However, Spanberger argued that local governments should lead on casino development, as has happened in other Virginia localities that now have casinos. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors had explicitly opposed the legislation, and a majority of General Assembly members representing the county also voted against it.

  • On Thursday, April 9, 2026, Governor Spanberger vetoed the casino bill.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The Governor of Virginia who vetoed the casino bill, arguing that local leaders should lead on such development decisions.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

The local governing body that had opposed the state-mandated casino referendum legislation.

Scott Surovell

The Senate Majority Leader who represents parts of Fairfax County, excluding Tysons, and had urged the casino bill to pass.

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What they’re saying

“'Local governing boards should lead on proposed casino development,as has happened in every locality that now has a casino. But in Fairfax County, the Board of Supervisors has explicitly opposed this legislation, and an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly members whorepresentFairfax voted against it.'”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia

The takeaway

Spanberger's veto preserves local control over development decisions in Fairfax County, but also denies the potential economic benefits a casino could bring. The mixed reactions to the proposed casino highlight the complex considerations around such projects.