Virginia’s House of Delegates approves Fairfax Co. casino legislation
Virginia’s House of Delegates approved a bill allowing a potential casino in Fairfax County, sending it to Governor Spanberger for consideration.Summary
The Virginia House of Delegates has approved legislation that would allow voters in Fairfax County to decide whether to authorize a casino within the jurisdiction. The bill, Senate Bill 756, passed the Senate last month but requires a reconciled version before reaching Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk. Proponents, like Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, argue a casino and entertainment complex would retain revenue within Virginia, currently lost to the MGM National Harbor in Maryland, and could include venues like concert halls and an IMAX center. A 2019 report suggests the project could generate more revenue than all other authorized casinos in Virginia combined. However, opposition remains from some Northern Virginia lawmakers and Fairfax County supervisors, citing concerns about increased traffic and crime, with some constituents expressing a clear desire to avoid a casino in the area.
(Source：WTOP)