Casino in Tysons? New proposal has critics and supporters speaking out
VIENNA, Va. - A proposed casino and entertainment complex in Tysons Corner is moving one step closer to reality as new renderings and legislation spark fresh debate.
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell has introduced a bill in the General Assembly that could pave the way for Fairfax County’s first casino.
The proposal includes plans for a sprawling 1.5-million-square-foot facility featuring a casino, conference center, entertainment venues, restaurants, and more.
"This would be a full-service casino," Surovell said, addressing criticisms about the project. "We already have gambling facilities near sensitive locations like Quantico and national security sites. People who want to gamble have plenty of opportunities today, whether through physical locations or online sports betting."
Featured
Fairfax County security leaders voice concerns surrounding potential casino in the Tysons Corner area
Security leaders in Fairfax County are voicing new concerns about safety and security risks surrounding possible casinos in the Tysons Corner area.
FOX 5 obtained the renderings, which offer a glimpse of what the complex could look like, with potential sites near Leesburg Pike and Spring Hill Road in Vienna. While supporters tout the economic benefits and entertainment potential, opponents, including McLean resident Sally Horn, remain skeptical.
"What the proponents of the bill have said is, ‘That casino would only be 5% of the entire complex.’ And so what’s so bad about that? My reaction is, that’s the part that’s a problem," Horn said.
Comstock Companies is reportedly in talks to develop the project. The bill outlines requirements for the complex to include amenities such as a conference center and entertainment venues.
With discussions in the early stages, the proposal has a long road ahead, navigating legislative hurdles and public scrutiny. For now, the possibility of a casino in Tysons has ignited a conversation across the Commonwealth about the future of entertainment and development in Northern Virginia.