Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, a strong advocate for the project, has argued that the Virginia casino would generate significant revenue for Fairfax County, reducing reliance on property taxes.
“If we had a casino, there wouldn’t be so much pressure to keep raising taxes on homeowners,”
Surovell noted, emphasizing its potential as an economic driver.
National Security and Local Opposition Cast Shadows Over Tysons Corner Proposal
However, the proposal’s proximity to critical military and intelligence hubs has raised alarms among former intelligence and security officials.
More than 100 members of the National Security Leaders for Fairfax expressed their concerns in a letter, warning that a Tysons casino could attract organized crime and adversarial intelligence services.
These risks, they argue, stem from the region’s unique population of government, military, and contract officials with access to classified information.
“The proximity… will not only attract organized crime — casinos always do — but also adversarial intelligence services looking to recruit those with such access whom they hope to blackmail,”
the letter stated.
Sally Horn, co-chair of the opposition group, further highlighted the risks of gambling addiction within the military community, noting that personnel are two to three times more likely to develop such problems compared to the general population.
She also pointed to concerns about hacking and cybersecurity vulnerabilities that could emerge from a high-profile casino in the area.
Local officials have echoed some of these concerns. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay questioned whether the financial benefits would outweigh the costs, stating,
“The state is the biggest winner in these casinos, and localities are left dealing with the challenges.”
Sports Betting Success Highlights Diverging Opinions
While the casino proposal faces resistance, the Virginia sports betting industry is flourishing. October 2024 marked a milestone for the state, with total wagers hitting a record $696.1 million, representing a 21.8% increase year-over-year.
Online platforms dominated the market, accounting for $692.2 million of the handle, while retail betting contributed a modest $3.9 million.
Despite the impressive handle, adjusted gross revenue (AGR) fell 13.1% year-over-year to $49 million, driven by a lower hold rate of 7.04%. Analysts attribute this decline to player-friendly NFL outcomes, with major operators like DraftKings reporting that bettors capitalized on favorable results during October.
Virginia collected $7.3 million in taxes from sports betting, 97.5% of which supported the state’s General Fund. While sports betting has proven to be a reliable revenue stream, the casino’s projected local benefits remain a point of contention.
The success of sports betting also underscores shifting attitudes toward gaming in Virginia. Legal sports betting launched in 2020, quickly gaining popularity alongside the approval of brick-and-mortar casinos in four cities. However, critics argue that the economic benefits of such ventures are unevenly distributed, with the state reaping more rewards than local governments.
As the Tysons Corner casino debate intensifies, the contrast between its contentious reception and the booming sports betting market reflects a broader tension in Virginia’s approach to gambling. Advocates see opportunities for growth and diversification, while opponents warn of risks that could outweigh potential rewards. The question remains whether Virginia will roll the dice on Tysons, or fold under the weight of opposition.
