Will More Casinos Come to Virginia in 2026? The Odds Aren’t Good
Posted on: January 5, 2026, 03:02h.
Last updated on: January 5, 2026, 03:02h.
- It’s unlikely that Virginia will authorize additional casinos in 2026
- Virginia has five licensed casinos in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, and Petersburg
Once among the most limited gaming states, Virginia has embraced new forms of commercial gambling over the past few years.
Today, the commonwealth has five casinos, retail and online sports betting, and slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines at off-track betting parlors and The Rose Gaming Resort. The traditional casinos are limited to Norfolk, Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, and Petersburg.
Two other cities, however, want in. Local officials in Roanoke and Winchester say they want the right to consider a casino. And state lawmakers representing Fairfax County say a casino in Tysons would generate robust state tax revenue and help ease ever-increasing property taxes.
Odds of More Casinos Long
The Virginia General Assembly convenes on Jan. 14 for its 2026 two-month-long session that runs through March 14. Gaming is expected to be considered, with Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D) likely to file legislation to create a sixth casino license in the commonwealth and designate it for Fairfax County.
The problem with Surovell’s bill is that a strong majority of Fairfax County voters are seemingly opposed to the idea of a casino. Along with civic groups and homeowner associations, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has formally opposed efforts to bring slot machines and table games to the Tysons area.
While state lawmakers can designate Fairfax for a casino, Virginia’s gaming law requires that a license only be granted to a host community where a local referendum expresses majority support. Public polling has shown strong opposition to a casino among the affluent residents. It’s why the odds of Fairfax seeing a casino break ground anytime soon are presumably long.
The odds of Roanoke and Winchester gaining casino rights are also long. To date, no state lawmaker has expressed a willingness to champion legislation to add those cities to the current five where casinos are allowed.
Roanoke is working with a lobbying group on finding a sponsor, but even if one is found, the path through the General Assembly would presumably be tedious, as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have said the five casinos should be given time to get up and running in earnest before more licenses are considered.
NOVA Casino
Virginia taxes casino revenue on a graduated scale, from 18% on revenue up to $200 million, 23% on revenue up to $400 million, and 30% on revenue upwards of $400 million. The casino taxes are used to support and stimulate local economies and governments, as well as public education.
Currently, it’s estimated that many millions of lost tax revenue is going into Maryland, as residents in Northern Virginia venture across the Potomac River to MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill. MGM National Harbor is the richest casino in the country outside of Las Vegas.
Without having a casino in Northern Virginia, supporters of bringing one to Fairfax say Maryland’s education program is being subsidized by Virginians.
Last Comment ( 1 )
Above you state: "And state lawmakers representing Fairfax County say a casino in Tysons would generate robust state tax revenue and help ease ever-increasing property taxes." Is this a typo? Which Fairfax County lawmakers are calling for a casino, in addition to Surovell and Marsden?