Virginia legislators are preparing for a renewed debate over gambling oversight when the General Assembly reconvenes on Jan. 14, with proposals for a Virginia Gaming Commission resurfacing alongside fresh tensions over whether Fairfax County should host a casino in Tysons. The idea of consolidating state gaming oversight has gained traction among some lawmakers at a moment when casino legislation is again moving toward the forefront.
Del. Paul Krizek of Fairfax County plans to introduce a bill to create a single regulatory body responsible for lottery operations, online gambling, and horse betting. Today, those duties fall across several agencies, including the Virginia Lottery, the Virginia Racing Commission, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Krizek said, “We’ve got all kinds of gambling going in Virginia, and we do not have one regulatory body,” adding that the consolidation could introduce efficiencies and generate savings “that will accrue to the general fund.” He maintains that a casino in Fairfax County is not suitable and has said that local voters would need to approve such a plan through a referendum.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin supported the establishment of a gaming commission during the previous session, though lawmakers ultimately removed the provision from the state budget.
Local Leaders Resist Tysons Casino Proposal
The push to authorize a casino in Tysons has reemerged despite clear resistance from many Fairfax County officials. Sen. Scott Surovell, who represents part of the county, intends to reintroduce legislation similar to his earlier proposal to permit a casino near the Spring Hill Metrostation. He noted the county’s persistent fiscal challenges, stating, “Fairfax County is currently facing a $130 million budget deficit, and they’re facing a deficit as far as the eye can see,” arguing that casino revenue could help address financial pressures.
However, a majority of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors signaled their opposition during a nearly hour-long meeting earlier this week. The board voted 5–4 to tell lawmakers they do not support authorizing a casino unless the state first creates a gaming commission and guarantees that local residents receive a substantial share of the revenue. One supervisor stressed that the board had never requested such a project and called for a more defined regulatory structure before moving forward.
Some supervisors said residents would reject the proposal, citing polling. Others expressed interest in keeping the idea available for discussion. The meeting did not decide the fate of the project but clarified that county leaders want authority over whether any proposal moves ahead.
Surovell, meanwhile, continues to press for the option. He indicated that he would not support forming a gaming commission if doing so would allow other casinos to secure licenses before the Tysons project has a chance to negotiate its own.
Broader Context for the Casino Debate
Virginia currently has five casinos, two of which operate in temporary facilities. Previous attempts to authorize a casino in Fairfax County failed in Richmond, but the subject appears poised to return as lawmakers weigh both the future of statewide regulation and whether Tysons should eventually join the list of casino locations.
Source:
“Va. lawmakers prioritize establishing Gaming Commission as senator plans to re-introduce Fairfax casino bill despite pushback”, wusa9.com. December 10, 2025
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