The proposed plan to bring a new brick-and-mortar casino to Virginia is no longer on the table after Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed the approved legislation.
Spanberger has vetoed Senate Bill 756, a measure that proposed allowing Virginia residents to vote on whether to allow a new retail casino to be developed in Fairfax County.
A new brick-and-mortar casino in Virginia would have been located in Tysons. Development plans for the facility also included an entertainment district and hotel.
SB 756’s legislative journey
Virginia’s governor vetoed SB 756 after the state’s General Assembly approved the measure last week. The bill, introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell in January, underwent a series of amendments before being approved by Senate and House members.
A provision included allowing the operation of a temporary casino in Fairfax County while the development of a permanent facility was being completed.
The provision was eventually removed for oversight concerns before the General Assembly passed SB 756. Under SB 756’s final iteration, 70% of gaming proceeds were to be distributed to the state. The remaining 30% would have been sent to Fairfax County.
SB 756 is not a new concept in Virginia, as similar measures have failed to garner support in the House and Senate in both 2024 and 2025, but it was the first time the idea reached the governor’s desk.
Why did Spanberger veto casino bill?
Spanberger decided not to sign SB 756 over concerns that it would dissolve the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ authority to oversee local approval processes. She also voiced concerns that the measure would lead to other localities raising similar issues.
“While this legislation only affects Fairfax County, it would set a precedent that could be used to bring casino referendums to other localities where the local governing boards may similarly oppose such efforts,” said Spanberger on her decision to veto SB 756.
Key stakeholders in Virginia opposed new casino
Spanberger’s veto of SB 756 garnered support from the Reston Association, with roughly 90% of its membership opposing the retail casino bill. Meanwhile, Fairfax County Board Chairman Jeff McKay opposed the measure over its revenue distribution requirements.
McKay also pointed to the impact SB 765 would have had on Virginia’s legislative process.
“Casinos in Virginia have always been authorized to go in places where local governments have requested them, and if this bill had been approved, it would be the first time in Virginia history where the state would tell a local government to do this,” said McKay.
Spanberger’s veto of SB 756 was also backed by an advocacy group. The No Fairfax Casino Coalition cited social cost and fairness concerns regarding the piece of legislation.
“This was a special carveout for one locality, and Governor Spanberger rejected it,” said No Fairfax Casino Coalition Steering Committee Chair Lynne Mulston. “That decision respects local concerns and recognizes the need for transparent, evidence-based policy”.
The effort to bring a new retail casino to Fairfax County will continue despite Spanberger’s veto of SB 756. Sen. Surovell plans to revisit the matter for a fourth time next year. “I will not stop … we will be back,” he said.
