Fairfax Casino Opponents Support Formation of Virginia Gaming Commission
Posted on: August 26, 2025, 11:08h.
Last updated on: August 26, 2025, 12:52h.
- A grassroots group in Fairfax County continues to oppose a push to allow a casino in Northern Virginia
- The No Fairfax Casino Coalition is seeking a moratorium on new casinos until a state gaming commission is formed
Opponents to allowing a casino in Virginia’s Fairfax County say they support the establishment of a state gaming regulatory commission.
A joint subcommittee in Richmond continues to consider whether Virginia should establish a gaming commission to govern the many new forms of gambling the commonwealth has welcomed in recent years. The No Fairfax Casino Coalition (NFCC), a grassroots group of Fairfax County residents and local officials who are working to make it known to lawmakers that a casino resort isn’t welcome in the affluent Northern Virginia county, says it supports the idea of a state gaming regulator.
In a release provided to Casino.org, the NFCC states its belief that a state gaming commission would be better equipped to oversee Virginia’s gaming industry and enhance transparency of the emerging sector.
The NFCC remains opposed to any legislation permitting casino development in Fairfax County. Simultaneously, we acknowledge the necessity for robust oversight and regulation of gaming activities throughout the commonwealth,” said NFCC Chair Lynne Mulston.
Historically opposed to gambling aside from the state-run lottery, Virginia lawmakers authorized slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines in 2018 and created up to five casino licenses in 2020. The 2020 bill additionally liberalized retail and online sports betting.
Opposition Dwarfs Support
All five casino licenses authorized in 2020 have been allocated, with casinos open in, or coming to, Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Petersburg. Certain state lawmakers representing parts of Fairfax County, chiefly, state Sen. David Marsden (D-Fairfax) and Del. Wren Williams (R-Stuart), believe casinos should be considered to help offset the county’s dwindling tax revenue.
Fairfax has seen a tax decline after many office buildings successfully negotiated lower property tax assessments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some state lawmakers outside of Fairfax add that a casino in Northern Virginia would provide substantially more gaming tax revenue to the state as a whole and stop gaming money from flowing into Maryland.
In Fairfax, however, there are many more opponents to allowing a casino than there are supporters. The opposition is headlined by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors,
The No Fairfax Casino Coalition additionally has the support of more than two dozen homeowners, civic, and citizens’ organizations. The Vienna, Mason District, and Silly District councils are in opposition, too. And last December, more than 100 former United States intelligence community members signed a letter suggesting that a casino so close to where the CIA is headquartered would pose national security risks.
Moratorium Sought
In lending its support for the creation of a state gaming commission, the No Fairfax Casino Coalition urged lawmakers to pass a moratorium on additional gambling expansion, including new casino sites, until the regulatory body is enacted.
The NFCC recommends implementing a moratorium on new gaming facilities and online platforms until the commission is fully established and operational,” said Mulston.
During the gaming commission subcommittee’s hearing earlier this month, the group took testimony on the pros and cons of bringing legal online slots and table games to Virginia.
By November 30, the gaming subcommittee is to make recommendations to the General Assembly about further gaming expansion and whether a gaming commission would be better suited to regulate current gaming.
Prefiling for the 2026 regular session begins Nov. 17, 2025. Being an even-numbered year, the legislature will meet for 60 days in 2026. A January start date for the official session hasn’t yet been revealed.
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