By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Virginia lawmakers wrapped up the session with mixed results on gambling legislation, advancing a Fairfax casino proposal while other measures stalled.
Senate Bill 756, introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell, cleared both chambers in conference, according to the Virginia Legislative Information System. The measure would add Fairfax County to the list of localities eligible to host a casino, reopening debate over expanding gambling in Northern Virginia.
The proposal requires any casino development to be part of a mixed-use project totaling at least 1.5 million square feet and mandates voter approval through a local referendum before any casino could move forward. The bill now heads to the governor for consideration.
A state fiscal analysis found no anticipated impact unless a project proceeds following voter approval.
Another measure, Senate Bill 661, also cleared both chambers and establishes a framework to regulate electronic skill game machines under state oversight. The bill now heads to the governor for consideration.
A fiscal impact statement notes the potential costs tied to regulating skill game machines are largely undetermined, though the proposal could increase enforcement and correctional system demands.
Efforts to legalize online casino gaming, however, did not move forward.
House Bill 161 and Senate Bill 118, which would have allowed internet-based casino games under Virginia Lottery oversight, both failed in conference and saw no further action, according to LIS records.
A separate proposal addressing sweepstakes-style gaming, Senate Bill 579, was continued to 2027, delaying further consideration of how the commonwealth may regulate that type of gaming.
The debate comes as problem gambling calls in Virginia rose 39% in 2025, according to the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, reflecting growing demand for support as gambling options expand.
The results leave Virginia’s approach to gambling uneven, with some proposals advancing while others remain unresolved.
