A closely watched proposal to authorize a casino in Tysons Corner failed to advance during the most recent General Assembly session, delaying any future action on the issue until at least 2026.
Meanwhile, neighboring West Virginia is steadily building on its established gaming infrastructure and looking to modernize through policy innovation, showing that even more mature markets can still show great leaps in expansion.
Tysons Casino Plan Stalls Despite Northern Virginia Appeal
The proposed Tysons Corner casino, championed by Senator Dave Marsden (D-Fairfax), aimed to bring a luxury gaming and entertainment facility to one of the state’s wealthiest and most accessible regions.
With proximity to Washington, D.C., extensive hotel accommodations, and a robust transportation network, Tysons Corner seemed to check every box for a high-revenue Virginia casino project. Supporters framed it as an opportunity to generate substantial local tax revenue and further diversify Virginia’s gaming footprint.
“This area is uniquely suited for a project of this scale,”
Marsden said in support of the legislation.
“It’s not about bringing gambling to Fairfax — it’s about recapturing revenue already leaving the state.”
But opposition from local Fairfax County supervisors and community groups, combined with political hesitation in Richmond, ultimately stalled the proposal. Without sufficient momentum in committee, the bill was shelved, pushing any renewed efforts to at least the 2026 session.
The delay marks a rare retreat for a state that has, until now, leaned into gaming as a source of economic development.
Virginia is also eyeing a separate expansion through VA online casinos. A bill from Senator Jeremy McPike (D-Prince William) that would have legalized iGaming was expected to be introduced in 2025 but may now face increased scrutiny given the cooling appetite for gambling-related measures in the legislature.
Still, a 2023 JLARC report suggested online casino play could generate up to $400 million annually in new tax revenue, highlighting the long-term fiscal incentive still on the table.
West Virginia Embraces Steady Growth in Gaming
While Virginia hesitates, West Virginia continues to build on its more established gambling foundation. The Mountain State legalized both retail and online sports betting in 2018 and 2019, respectively, and has since added iCasino platforms operated by major brands like DraftKings and BetMGM.
With fewer political roadblocks and a track record of early adoption, West Virginia has emerged as a quiet leader in the Mid-Atlantic gambling market.
Unlike Virginia’s episodic casino rollout, West Virginia’s gaming sector has been bolstered by a streamlined regulatory structure and consistent operator support.
The state is now exploring opportunities to expand fixed-odds horse betting and refine its online casino offerings, two areas where Virginia remains in legislative limbo.
As Virginia tables its Tysons ambitions and reassesses the political calculus around iGaming, West Virginia is moving steadily ahead. The contrast between the two states speaks to a broader regional dynamic: one of cautious expansion versus sustained maturity. For now, the Mountain State holds the edge.
