A Virginia Senate committee voted Wednesday to approve a bill that would make it possible to build a casino resort in Tysons. It is the second approval thus far on the legislative path of the controversial proposal.
SB 982 passed the committee 9-3, with Senator Adam Ebbin abstaining.
The vote represented the broad-based support the measure has received to date, having already been given subcommittee approval from more than two-thirds of the majority. If legislative support at those levels holds, the bill would be veto-proof according to Virginia law.
The bill's veto-proof nature stems from Virginia's legislative process provisions in its constitution. A bill with a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate and the House of Delegates is resistant to a governor’s veto.
The Tysons casino plan has been the focus of considerable controversy, drawing both supportive and oppositional reactions from lawmakers, area residents, and activist groups.
Supporters of the bill think that it can generate substantial economic benefits for the area, including employment, increased tourism, and a new source of revenue for state and local governments.
They also imagine a world-class casino resort transforming Tysons into a flagship hospitality and entertainment hub.
A Tysons casino may not be the only significant casino change in 2025, with the Virginia lawmakers getting the chance to consider an online casino bill.
Opposition to Tysons Casino Bill Remains Strong
The state has strongly opposed the proposal. One major point of contention is the probable impact on local communities, particularly in terms of traffic congestion, public safety, and urban infrastructure. Lots of these views were expressed by residents in a Senate subcommittee hearing on Monday. Many wore t-shirts reading “no Tysons casino.”
Opponents say Tysons is not developed enough to handle the added activity a casino would bring. Residents in nearby neighborhoods have voiced fears about noise pollution and the strain on public services.
Others have also raised ethical and social concerns. They say the possible gambling addiction may significantly affect the most vulnerable in society.
Faith-based organizations and community coalitions have spoken out in opposition. They argue that social costs related to gambling could outweigh economic benefits.
Another bone of contention is the competitive dynamics within Virginia's gaming industry. The opponents of the Tysons project said that a casino in such a highly populated area like Tysons would cannibalize the revenues from other casinos and gaming facilities across the state.
They caution that it could undermine investments made by localities previously granted casino licenses under Virginia's 2020 gaming legislation.
The bill’s opponents also refer to the process through which the legislation has been advanced, which has not been sufficiently consultative and transparent. Others have also complained about what they perceive as a lack of consideration for public input in the approval process. They say this can harm local communities and the state economy.
