But we have to be practical, not naive," he said. State Sen. David Marsden, D-Fairfax, is planning to re-introduce legislation that would allow Fairfax County to hold a referendum on building a casino. Last year, Marsden introduced similar legislation that did not gain traction. However, this year, his proposal goes beyond just a casino and includes plans for a convention center, concert hall, hotel, and other amenities. Marsden's preferred location for the casino is Tysons Corner, a wealthy suburb just a few miles from the Maryland border and home to successful high-end shopping malls and retail.

Marsden's legislation would allow the county to select a site near one of the Silver Line Metro stations, including Reston. He believes that placing a casino and entertainment on the Silver Line would benefit Dulles Airport, which recently received its own Silver Line station. Additionally, Marsden argues that it would bring union jobs, gaining support from the labor lobby.

Fairfax County has long been the economic engine of Virginia, but it is currently facing a decline in its commercial tax base due to decreased demand for office space post-pandemic. Marsden believes that the county needs to be realistic about the need for change and the potential revenue that casino gambling could bring. He argues that Virginia should not exclude its wealthiest region when it comes to gaming revenue.

However, the push for a casino in northern Virginia comes at a time when voters have shown skepticism. Referenda for a casino in Richmond and a slots parlor in Manassas Park were both rejected by voters in November. Approximately 58 percent of voters in both cities voted against the proposals. Despite this, Marsden sees Richmond's rejection as an opportunity for Fairfax County to fill the void.

Opponents of the casino, such as Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn, argue that placing a casino along the Silver Line would be a waste of valuable real estate. Alcorn states that few constituents have expressed a desire for a casino in the county. He also raises concerns about the influence of pro-casino interests in a potential referendum.

On the other hand, casino supporters appear to be mounting a well-financed lobbying effort. Corporate officers with Comstock, a developer working with Marsden on the casino project, have formed a political action committee called Building a Remarkable Virginia, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent months. However, calls and emails to Comstock and the political action committee seeking comment were not returned.

Casinos have already been approved and opened in Danville, Bristol, and Portsmouth, with voter approval in 2020. Norfolk also approved a casino, but the project is still going through the approval process. A study commissioned in 2019 found that a northern Virginia casino could generate $155 million annually in tax revenue, nearly double the revenue projected for a Richmond casino.

Marsden's bill has support at both the state and local level. Incoming Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell believes it is frustrating that Maryland generates tax revenue for its schools through casinos that heavily rely on Virginia customers. Surovell acknowledges that views on casinos are divided in the General Assembly but believes that lawmakers have traditionally allowed local jurisdictions to make the decision for themselves.

At the local level, several members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors express willingness to support a referendum. Pat Herrity, the board's lone Republican, believes that legislation combining a casino with a much-needed convention center deserves serious consideration. He states that several developers have expressed interest in bidding on the project.

Dalia Palchik, who represents Tysons Corner, has not been approached about supporting a casino in her district but is open to legislation that allows citizen input through a referendum and the regular county approval process. She expresses enthusiasm for the idea of bringing a convention center to Tysons. The board's chairman, Jeff McKay, remains noncommittal, stating that no legislation has been formally introduced yet.

The Vienna Town Council, which borders Tysons Corner, has issued a resolution opposing a casino, citing concerns about increased traffic and other negative consequences. One councilman, Howard Springsteen, argues that casinos bring "an unwholesome community."

Governor Glenn Youngkin's office declined to comment on whether he would sign a casino bill.