Adam Roarty is a journalist covering sports betting, regulation, and industry innovation for CasinoBeats. His coverage includes tax increases in the UK, covering breaking stories in the ever-evolving landscape of US betting such as the...
Read Full BioRepublican Cassandra Aucoin has come out against the Tysons casino proposal, as she bids to oust Democrats from office in the Virginia House of Delegates’ District 7.
In an interview with Patch, Aucoin stated, “I will also oppose a casino in Tysons; the social and economic costs are too high.”
Plans to open a casino in Fairfax County have been the topic of much debate in Virginia. The state already has its quota of five casinos that are either open or under development. This is the maximum number allowed by current state laws.
However, there has been a push to expand the state’s offerings. Developer Comstock Companies proposed a casino as an economic booster for the area, which has struggled financially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aucoin’s other comments could be viewed as support for opening an establishment, as she says it is important to diversify job options in the community.
She stated, “Federal downsizing will reshape our region’s economy, and Fairfax must stay competitive by diversifying its job base. Our policies should make it easier for people of all backgrounds to live and work here while supporting growth in emerging sectors.”
Proponents of a casino in the area argue it will boost the local economy by providing much-needed jobs. However, a recent poll showed 75% of residents were opposed to the plans.
Residents were particularly concerned by traffic congestion, with 88% of respondents believing a casino would lead to problems in the surrounding areas. The majority of residents also believe that the state already has enough gaming options.
Tysons Casino Plans Falter in House
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell dismissed the results of the poll, stating, “When Fairfax County residents learn that a Tysons entertainment district creates 5,000 permanent union private sector jobs, creates $300 million of funding per year to support teacher, firefighter, and police salaries, and lowers their real estate taxes… they support this option.”
Surovell introduced a bill earlier this year that proposed allowing residents to vote on approving a Tysons casino. It passed in the Senate but failed in the House. The Democrat Senator cited a JLARC (state-commissioned) study that the casino would generate $232 million annually for the state.
Lynne Mulston, head of the No Fairfax Casino Coalition (NFCC), is not swayed by that argument. Like Aucoin, she said the economic and social harm would be too great.
“Northern Virginia, and Tysons in particular, would not benefit from a casino,” she said. “It would be bad for the county — economically, socially and fiscally.”
While opposing plans for the Tysons project, the NFCC supported plans to establish a Virginia Gaming Commission (VGC) in August. Mulston said, “The NFCC remains opposed to any legislation permitting casino development in Fairfax County. Simultaneously, we acknowledge the necessity for robust oversight and regulation of gaming activities throughout the Commonwealth.”
Gambling Groups Backing Democrats in Virginia Elections
As Republican candidates come out against the expansion of gambling in Virginia, the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) is backing the Democrats.
The group, which consists of five of the nation’s biggest betting and gaming companies, has donated almost $2 million to Democrats in the build-up to next month’s elections. A sizable chunk of that ($500,000) has gone to gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger.
The SBA has also contributed $25,000 to Surovell, but has not contributed to either Aucoin or her Democrat opponent, Karen Keyes-Gamarra.
While its members may not benefit from a Tysons casino, the SBA would be in full support of legalizing online casinos in the state. Lawmakers met to discuss the possibility of establishing the VGC in August, which could pave the way for iGaming to be legalized as early as next year.
