A Northern Virginia casino bill has been introduced in the Richmond capital, with Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) filing Senate Bill 982. The legislation aims to allow casino development near the Spring Hill Metro station in Tysons, Fairfax County.

The bill would trigger a countywide referendum asking voters to approve a casino within a quarter-mile of the Spring Hill Metro station. Currently, Virginia only permits casinos in Portsmouth, Bristol, Norfolk, Danville, and Petersburg.

Comstock Companies, partnering with the legislative effort, has unveiled an ambitious $6 billion mixed-use development plan spanning 35 acres. The proposed project includes:

• A casino (occupying 5% of the facility)
• A 600-room five-star luxury hotel
• A 6,000-seat performing arts theatre
• A major convention center
• Residential apartments
• Retail shopping
• Restaurants and bars
• Public greenspace
• An immersive theater

However, the project faces significant opposition from multiple stakeholders:

• Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
• Local homeowners associations
• Municipal governments
• Former federal employees
• MGM Resorts (protecting MGM National Harbor interests)

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay argues that Tysons is already growing and doesn't need a casino. The Board maintains that the casino proposal contradicts existing community-supported comprehensive plans for transit station areas and could deter major employers from the region.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology for initial consideration, though its passage faces substantial challenges given the widespread opposition.

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