A bill that could have made Fairfax County eligible for a casino development has been temporarily set aside by Virginia lawmakers. Senate Bill 982, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, passed the Virginia Senate with a 24-16 vote. However, the House of Delegates decided to delay further action, transferring it between committees for additional discussion.
Though it is common for the House to shift bills between committees, this move came just one day after Del. Paul Krizek was expected to review the legislation in the gaming subcommittee he chairs. The decision to table the bill suggests that lawmakers need more time to evaluate its impact before proceeding.
Opposition and Potential Future Considerations
Ahead of the House’s decision, Krizek publicly expressed concerns about the bill at an event in Alexandria. He acknowledged growing interest in gaming from residents but emphasized the need for stricter regulations. While opposing the legislation, he admitted, “It hurts” to take that stance, implying that further discussions might increase its chances of passing.
Krizek also proposed using a budget amendment to create the Virginia Gaming Commission, an independent regulatory body that would oversee all legal gambling activities in the state, excluding the Virginia Lottery. If approved, this commission could play a key role in shaping the future of gaming regulation in Virginia.
For now, the fate of Fairfax County’s potential casino remains uncertain as lawmakers continue debating the issue.
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