A Virginia Senate bill proposing a casino in Northern Virginia's Tysons area has been introduced by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell. The legislation, Senate Bill 982, aims to authorize casino development within a quarter-mile of the Spring Hill Metro station in Fairfax County.

Comstock Companies, the project's developer, has unveiled plans for an $8 billion mixed-use development spanning 35 acres. The proposed facility would include:

• A casino (occupying 5% of the space)
• A 600-room luxury hotel
• A 6,000-seat performing arts theatre
• A convention center
• Residential apartments
• Retail shopping
• Restaurants and bars
• Public greenspace
• An immersive theater

The proposal faces significant opposition from multiple stakeholders:

• Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
• Local homeowners associations
• Municipal governments
• MGM Resorts (operating MGM National Harbor nearby)

Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay argues against the casino, stating that Tysons is already growing and the casino could deter major employers from the area. The Board maintains that a casino conflicts with the county's comprehensive transit station development plans.

Currently, Virginia allows casino operations only in Portsmouth, Bristol, Norfolk, Danville, and Petersburg. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology for initial review.

The project aims to address potential property tax increases in Fairfax County, though local leadership disputes this need. If approved, the measure would trigger a countywide referendum for voter approval.

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