Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has vetoed Senate Bill 756, which would have allowed residents to vote on whether a new retail casino could be developed in Fairfax County, as well as an adjacent entertainment district and hotel.
Spanberger cited concerns over the potential loss of Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ authority to oversee local casino approval processes, and believed the legislation would eventually lead to other localities facing similar issues.
"Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 756 as it would strip the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors of control over the local approval process, require the county to set a referendum and set a broader precedent,” Spanberger said.
"While this legislation only affects Fairfax County, it would set a precedent that could be used to bring casino referendums to other localities where the local governing boards may similarly oppose such efforts. Accordingly, I veto this bill."
The legislation was originally brought forth by Senator Scott Surovell in January 2026, having managed to pass through the General Assembly during March even while receiving little support from northern Virginia lawmakers.
Spanberger continued: “Local governing boards should lead on proposed casino development, as has happened in every locality that now has a casino.
“But in Fairfax County, the Board of Supervisors has explicitly opposed this legislation, and an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly members who represent Fairfax voted against it.”
One of the main points of opposition for northern Virginia lawmakers was the proposed 70% split of funds generated by the casino property being directed to the state, and only 30% being allocated to Fairfax County.
On March 17, Virginia lawmakers also declined to advance legislation that would have legalized online casino gambling, bringing an end to the latest attempt to introduce iGaming in the state.
The proposal, which had progressed through earlier stages of the legislative process, ultimately failed to move forward in the conference committee. As a result, efforts to establish a regulated online casino market in Virginia have been halted for the current legislative session.
The Virginia Lottery reported the state’s sports wagering activity for January 2026 on February 27, as AGR generated by online and retail operators during the monthly period decreased 7.2% to $75.2m
