Virginia legislators have approved plans for an additional casino in Virginia; however, Fairfax County residents will have the final say as to whether a gaming license can be granted there or not.
After extensive deliberation, the Virginia General Assembly reached an agreement on legislation permitting slot machines, live dealer table games and sports betting to be introduced in new host localities. One key compromise involved eliminating an earlier clause which would have permitted an expanded temporary casino operation prior to public referendum in Fairfax County.
Finalized legislation specifies that any casino development in Northern Virginia must occur on a 30-acre parcel near Adaire residential high-rise complex in Tysons near Spring Hill Metro Station along Leesburg Pike in Vienna.
Virginia House of Delegates approved it by a vote of 55 to 41 and Senate members approved it with 25-13 approval votes.
Voter Decision Restored
An earlier provision had proposed permitting a temporary casino facility comparable to MGM National Harbor to open operations before voters could express their opinions, in an attempt to force Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ cooperation in organizing a referendum, something it has long opposed doing.
Fairfax County remains strongly opposed to casino development within its borders, unlike five Virginia localities that already host them – Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Petersburg and Portsmouth are the other five – Bristol has expressed interest in hosting one while Fairfax has shown no enthusiasm in hosting any form of gaming facility in any form.
Senator Majority Leader Scott Surovell of Fairfax was one of the key champions for this bill and explained its purpose with regards to temporary casino operations: this would encourage voters in Fairfax County to cast ballots on this subject matter; however, any gaming operations cannot begin without approval by residents in Fairfax.
“After learning of surprise language proposing forcing a casino in Tysons, my Fairfax County House delegation recognized its potential danger as a power grab and unanimously rejected it,” stated Jeff McKay, chair of Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
“Ultimately, the House approved a bill which raises serious issues while leaving some local authority intact. I will fight any attempts to establish casinos in Tysons.”
Developer Links
Comstock Companies owns and controls parcels within Fairfax County that could become home for a potential casino project in Fairfax County. Tysons Development, LLC consists of joint venture between Northern Virginia-based Clemente Development Co and international partner Khaled Juffali Co – led by Christopher Clemente who serves as CEO for Comstock Companies and Khaled Juffali Co respectively. Christopher Clemente leads this partnership.
Comstock made campaign contributions to Senator Surovell and other legislators who later supported Fairfax casino legislation.
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