A recent bill is making its way through the House in Virginia, calling for the development of a casino complex in Fairfax County. The proposal is sponsored by State Sen. Dave Marsden and asks for residents of the county to vote on a referendum, which if approved, will permit the development of a casino in Tyson’s Corner. Besides a casino, the structure may also include a conference center as well as entertainment facilities which can be used for different events such as concerts.

Initially, the proposal called for the casino to be located in Reston. However, it faced strong opposition from the Reston Citizens Association. In fact, earlier this month, a group of opponents against the proposed casino plan for Reston gathered outside Fairfax County Government Center and placed signs. Moreover, they voiced their concerns that the proposed development is against the area’s planning principles, media reports revealed at the time.

Now, the debate regarding the proposal continues to intensify with opponents voicing further concerns. Jeff McKay, the chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, who was interviewed by DC News Now, criticized the proposal. He outlined that prior to the introduction of the bill, there were limited discussions with stakeholders, including the Fairfax County board.

Moreover, McKay said that he was able to see the proposal only a day before it was introduced, leaving insufficient time for any changes. He explained: “None of those groups have come formally, sat down with me and said, ‘Hey, here’s what we’re proposing. This is what our bill looks like. Will Fairfax County engage in conversations with us?”

A Casino May Bring More Problems Than Benefits

When it comes to the proceeds from a potential casino in Tyson’s Corner, McKay was also skeptical. He revealed that where casinos are available, usually, a 25% tax revenue is applicable. According to McKay, this tax rate is “not a good deal for the people of Fairfax County.”

He estimated that the county would benefit from $50 million if the casino in the area makes $200 million. The chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors said that this revenue is not worth it, especially considering the potential problems a casino may bring to the area.

Opponents of the idea have also voiced their concerns, highlighting that a casino may result in an uptick in criminal activities. Others warned that a casino in Fairfax County may result in increased traffic and impact other businesses in the area.

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Nassau County officials have leveled accusations against Hofstra University, alleging that the institution is colluding with a competitor to sabotage the Nassau Coliseum casino bid. 

Nassau County Executive Reveals Troubling Evidence of Hofstra’s Role in Casino Project Controversy

Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman, held a press conference on January 17, revealing that there is evidence suggesting Hofstra’s collaboration with Hard Rock International, a key player in the bid to establish a casino in the Citi Field parking lots. 

Blakeman cited a Newsday column, highlighting an email from a consultant to Steve Cohen’s bid office, indicating potential communication with Hofstra.

Blakeman expressed his deep concern, stating that they found the situation very troubling and hypocritical. He went on to suggest that there might be collusion or coordination on the part of Hofstra with another entity against the Nassau Coliseum bid, thus exacerbating the already contentious conflict.

To reinforce their allegations, Nassau County issued subpoenas to Hofstra, demanding documents related to any communication with Hard Rock Seminole regarding the casino project. The subpoenas, served by the county sheriff’s office, underscore the seriousness of the allegations.

Hofstra President Summoned as Nassau Coliseum Bid Hangs in the Balance

Hofstra University President, Susan Poser, has been summoned to testify before the county Legislature on Monday. In a statement, the university mentioned that they would adhere to the law in responding to the subpoena, while also dismissing it as another attempt to divert attention and hinder a fair and open process concerning the transfer of Nassau County land.

The Nassau Coliseum bid, potentially facing demolition to make way for the casino, has been entangled in legal battles, with Hofstra filing a lawsuit last April to block the project. A judge sided with Hofstra, nullifying the 99-year lease agreement, leaving the casino bid in limbo. Nassau County has since appealed the decision.

Amidst the allegations, Hard Rock International swiftly denied any communication with Hofstra related to Nassau. Jonathan Goldman, a spokesperson for Hard Rock, emphasized the company’s commitment to “integrity, honesty, and transparency.”

The casino competition in New York has intensified, with developers vying for three $500 million downstate casino licenses. The Nassau and Queens bids are seen as strong contenders, benefitting from less congested locations compared to proposals targeting Manhattan.Last week S&P Global Ratings warned operators of significant financial risks, citing potential licensing fees as high as $1 billion each. Major players like MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas Sands, and Wynn Resorts are vying for the licenses, with proposed projects ranging from $2 billion to over $5 billion. Despite the financial challenges, experts see a strategic long-term gain for victorious operators, although the timeline for developments may extend into 2025.

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Virginia State Senator Dave Marsden has reintroduced a bill that could pave the way for the construction of a resort-style casino, reminiscent of MGM National Harbor. 

Sen. Marsden’s Revised Casino Bill Targets Tysons Location

Sen. Marsden’s earlier attempt to introduce a similar bill faced setbacks, prompting a strategic revision to address concerns from residents, particularly in Reston. The new proposal is stringent about the casino’s placement, limiting it to Tysons and excluding Reston from consideration, reported NBC Washington.

The bill specifies that the eligible location for the casino must be within one-quarter of a mile of an existing station on the Metro Silver Line, part of a coordinated mixed-use project development, outside the Dulles airport flight path, within two miles of a major shopping destination containing at least 1.5 million square feet of gross building area, and outside the Interstate 495 Beltway. Notably, the bill singles out a particular parcel in Tysons — the site of a defunct auto dealership on Route 7.

The legislative journey for this proposal involves several steps. First, the bill must navigate through both chambers of Virginia’s General Assembly and gain the signature of Gov. Glenn Youngkin. When asked about his stance on the matter, a spokesperson for Gov. Youngkin conveyed that he would review any legislation presented to him.

Should the bill receive approval, it would then proceed to the county level, where the county board would need to request a referendum. This referendum would allow Fairfax County voters to voice their opinion on whether they support the establishment of a casino. If the majority approves, the county would initiate a competitive bidding process for interested developers, who would subsequently seek a casino operator for the venture.

Uncertainties Surround Fairfax Casino Proposal Despite Economic Promise

Some proponents of the casino envision a comprehensive development that goes beyond mere gambling, including a convention center, hotels, restaurants, office space, and residences. This ambitious project aims to address the decline in commercial real estate tax revenue, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a void in funding for county resources.

State Senator and Democratic Majority Leader Scott Surovell stressed the importance of securing additional revenue sources to prevent homeowners from bearing the burden. He asserted that to maintain quality education, the responsibility of compensating for lost tax revenue would inevitably shift to homeowners, underscoring the county’s requirement for diversifying its revenue streams.

Despite the potential economic benefits and job creation outlined in a 2019 study by Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, there is considerable opposition from local governments and community associations in the Tysons region. The path to establishing a casino in Fairfax County remains uncertain, and the proposal’s fate hinges on legislative approval and the voice of the county’s voters.

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Pennsylvania’s Washington County is expected to receive some $9.2 million in gaming funds for economic development and community projects. According to a report from Observer-Reporter, a news outlet headquartered in the county, this would be the largest share of local share account casino gambling revenue Washington has received in 14 years.

The Department of Community and Economic Development informed Washington officials about the allocation on Tuesday. The money will fund a variety of municipal and local projects, in line with the annual LSA program.

As mentioned, this is the most money the county has received for its LSA program since 2010 when it was provided $9.7 million. After that, Washington County received between $6 and $8 million a year for almost a decade and a half.

The LSA money Washington will receive is a portion of gambling money from Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in North Strabane. Since the gambling property was able to generate higher revenue this year, the LSA program will also receive benefits. According to local leaders, the extra money will help the country fund more projects this year.

Bob Griffin, executive director of the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County, commented on the matter, explaining that the larger LSA sum reflects an increase in gambling revenue. As a leader of the body that oversees the distribution of LSA funds, Griffin added that he is excited to provide funding to extra projects this year but reminded people that donations must be met with matching sums from the applicant.

Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman was similarly enthusiastic about the money available for projects as part of the LSA program. He called the program a blessing for the local economic development and communities, saying that the county will now be able to provide money to organizations and communities that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them.

According to the Observer-Reporter, a full list of the applicants for LSA funding should be released later today. The projects are distributed into several categories, including community improvement, economic development, job training and public interest.

The LSA Committee will hold hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday when it will review the applications. Following that, the body will submit a recommendation to the county commissioners for final approval.

The Redevelopment Authority of Washington County will submit its single application for the projects to the DCED by March 31.

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There have been several moves that indicate that Comstock Holding Companies Inc. is gearing up to do just that with the media outlet citing evidence that the company has hired six lobbyists who should help argue its case when the Virginia General Assembly session commences on January 10, 2024.

Communicating Readiness to Build a Project If and When

However, this is not the only strategic move exacted by the developer, which is also said to have donated over $500,000 to various political candidates in a bid to secure legislative goodwill and push its case for the construction of a new casino.

The move comes at a time when the fight over who will get to build a casino in Fairfax County is intensifying and there has been sustained interest in the development of one, with Comstock Holding Companies Inc. not lacking any motivation to continue despite the challenges.

All lobbyists will focus exclusively on defending Comstock’s interests during the upcoming session. The Patch noted that Comstock had donated $244,500 to the Building a Remarkable Virginia Political Action Committee.

The media also specified that 14 Comstock employees had donated $29,525 to Del. Wren Williams’s political campaign, with the lawmaker introducing a bill that would have allowed the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to propose a casino referendum on a future ballot. Williams though had been working on a bill prior to the donations it seems.

Comstock is a Fairfax County developer with supposedly well-established connections in the area and is also keen to continue securing work.

Donations and a Long Process That Ultimately Lies with Voters

Another donation was made to Dave Marsden who was also working on a bill seeking to bring a casino project to reality. Altogether, none of these donations raises any red flags, but they indicate that Comstock is very much willing and keen to see a bill that allows it to build in the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station area or around it.

Ultimately, however, the decision would most likely lie with voters as the bills, as they are outlined, are ultimately only going to give the public a right to determine if they want a casino. Comstock has already outlined its plans for a casino in Reston and has indeed presented detailed plans in September 2023, but a final push is still to come – both on the legislative front and then at the ballots.

Comstock’s donations may be trying to steer the ship in a direction that aligns with the company’s business interests, but it will ultimately be a decision made by Fairfax County residents whether a casino property will be arriving any time soon. Plans to open casinos are already underway in Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville, with further plans discussed in Norfolk and Richmond.

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The ambitious Las Vegas Sands casino and hotel project in Nassau County received temporary permission to move forward as the Appellate Court issued a stay on a recent ruling that annulled the county’s approval of the venture. A later hearing will decide the project’s fate and will be instrumental in determining its viability.

Rising Public Concerns Culminated in Legal Action

Sands Nassau County’s legal setback arose from a lawsuit filed by Hofstra University, located adjacent to the proposed $4 billion casino property. The university argued that planning officials and lawmakers failed to provide sufficient notice for public meetings and environmental reviews before approving a 99-year lease for the Sands project.

A 9 November court decision voided the existing lease and mandated that Nassau County planning officials restart the application process, including new hearings with the county legislature. The ruling represented a significant victory for Hofstra University as it expressed eagerness to contribute to the planning and protect the community from potential environmental risks.

Critics of the casino project have raised concerns about potential negative impacts on the local community, including increased traffic and crime, decreased property values, and disruptions to nearby neighborhoods. Hofstra University initiated the lawsuit in April, citing concerns about inadequate public engagement and environmental assessments, mirroring other controversial New York casino projects.

Casino Projects Remain a Contentious Issue

The potential significant delays forced Las Vegas Sands to act quickly and turn to the New York Court of Appeals. The appellate judge granted a stay and scheduled a hearing for 21 November in Brooklyn. Hofstra representatives must present compelling reasons why the lower court’s order should remain in place while Las Vegas Sands defends the project.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman, an avid supporter of the Sands Nassau project, was optimistic, noting that a definitive court ruling would clear all doubts about the development’s legal status. He reaffirmed that the casino resort would bolster the local economy with well-paying permanent employment and tax relief for residents.

We are grateful that the Appellate Division granted a stay of the lower court’s decision, and we’re confident the lower court’s ruling will be overturned.

Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County, New York County Executive

The fate of the Sands Nassau County project now hinges on the upcoming hearing, as stakeholders on both sides prepare to present their arguments regarding the proposed casino’s impact on the local community and the procedural aspects of the approval process. The increased scrutiny should help ensure that casino developments remain socially responsible and can mitigate gambling’s negative societal impact.

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A state judge has invalidated the Nassau County government’s approval of a 99-year lease agreement, dealing a severe blow to the proposed $4 billion casino complex at the Nassau Coliseum. 

Hofstra University Secures Legal Victory as Judge Nullifies Nassau Casino Lease

The judge’s decision, issued on November 9, not only voids the existing lease but also mandates that Nassau County planning officials restart the entire process, including new hearings with the county legislature. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for Hofstra University, whose campus is adjacent to the proposed casino site, and has been a vocal opponent of the development.

In a public statement, Hofstra President Susan Poser expressed gratitude for the court’s ruling. Poser highlighted the importance of public participation in decision-making and conveyed eagerness to contribute to the planning process while ensuring the community is protected from potential environmental risks.

The legal setback for the casino project comes just days after Mets owner Steve Cohen unveiled an $8 billion casino plan near Citi Field, intensifying the competition among gaming operators for coveted state licenses in the New York City metropolitan area, including Long Island.

Las Vegas Sands Stays Committed Amidst Legal Scrutiny of Nassau Casino Development

The judge specifically cited violations of both the Open Meetings Law and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in approving the lease transfer. 

While Nassau County has not issued an official statement in response to the court’s decision, Las Vegas Sands Corporation remains undeterred. In a statement, the company conveyed its dedication to the Nassau Hub project, asserting that Las Vegas Sands is moving forward with their proposal for an integrated resort and entertainment center at the Nassau Hub with pride and enthusiasm.

Judge Kapoor’s ruling orders Nassau County to conduct a comprehensive environmental review of the proposed casino development, emphasizing the failure of the county legislature to take a “hard look” at the Sands casino project beyond the technicalities of the lease transfer.Las Vegas Sands

revealed plans for the significant entertainment, hospitality, and casino complex on the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site in Nassau County, western Long Island, New York back in January.

The multi-billion-dollar project, covering up to 80 acres, aims to offer a diverse range of amenities, including hotels, outdoor spaces, live performance venues, and celebrity chef restaurants. The company, committed to fostering economic growth and job creation, anticipates the resort to generate substantial tax revenue and provide new career opportunities for residents, emphasizing its transformative impact on the community.

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The ambition of two companies, to wit Cherokee Nation Businesses and Legends Resort and Casino, to bring a new gambling property to Pope County, Arkansas has gone on for years. The businesses have tried it all – playing nice and playing hardball, but locals have not bucked and have remained mostly firmly opposed to the idea of a casino in their area.

Supreme Court Reminds Cherokee Nation of Licensing Obligations

The fight has made it to the Arkansas Supreme Court, which decided on Thursday to uphold a lower court’s decision and pronounced itself against the licenses issued to the two businesses seeking to open a casino. The Supreme Court explained that the license was in breach of Amendment 100 and could not be used as the basis for realizing the proposed project.

Cherokee CEO Chuck Garrett expressed his disappointment but said that the ruling would not stop the nation from pursuing the license. Garrett cited the nation’s established track record in the industry and said that his colleagues knew what they were doing with more than 30 years of gaming and hospitality business experience. Yet, he acknowledged that securing the Pope County license has been the hardest to get yet.

Experienced or not, the Supreme Court found an issue with the manner of the proceedings by the private companies. For one, the Supreme Court rejected the idea of a license being issued to two entities. By law, there must be only one. To add insult to injury, Legends does not have any experience in casino gaming, which makes it illegible.

Why has an application been filed like this in the first place, most have asked? However, Garrett has preferred to focus on the good that would come out of building a casino. He assured that locals stood to benefit the most but cautioned that Arkansas is losing valuable tax money the longer this matter drags.

Going Back to the Drawing Board for Another Round

Not everyone is as upset about the decision, though, as Gulfside Casino Partnership rep Casey Castleberry said that the Supreme Court decision was the correct one. Of course, Gulfside Casino Partnership also wants to build a casino in Pope County. Gulfside too had a license granted, which was later reverted.

What this means is that after years of trying, local opposition may have somewhat subsided, but neither of the two parties who want to realize the project has demonstrated that they are clearly capable of clearing the licensing procedure. They need to start from scratch, and time is surely not on their side as both are eager to beat the other one to the finishing line.

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Now, St. Louis County is the first in the Show Me State to send an unequivocal message on the matter and try to prohibit smoking on casino floors located in its bounds. This way, the county bucks the state-wide trend which still exempts casinos from the ban on smoking in public smoking.

Fighting Smoking On-Site Casinos in Missouri

The measure is still up for debate, however, and it will have to go through County Council first, but if it succeeds, it would be a seminal accomplishment. Effectively, St. Louis has not enforced the 2011 smoking ban on casinos, which has had an economic justification. Properties have long feared that restricting and putting a ban on indoor smoking would have an adverse effect on their bottom lines.

However, this claim has been challenged repeatedly over the past decade, with New Jersey and Nevada casino workers, as well as many other workers across the country, raising their voices and calling for a timely prohibition on smoking. One of the opponents of indoor smoking in casinos is county health department director Dr Kanika Cunningham who has argued that no modern ventilation system can minimize the risks bore by casino workers from inhaling second-hand smoke.

However, going on a per-county basis has some risks for St. Louis as well. The main qualm is that should the county become the only one to outlaw indoor smoking on casino floors, consumers may flock to neighboring counties instead. This makes some sense, although a similar argument has been made by people fearing state-wide bans.

Research Shows Business Intact in Wake of Smoke Bans

However, Cunningham cited a report by C3 Gaming, a Las Vegas company, which argued in a recent report that banning smoking is not tantamount to a loss of business for the casinos and companies that enforced such measures. There has been no drop in revenues for the companies covered by C3 Gaming’s case study.

However, C3 Gaming’s report has focused on tribal casino properties, which have been some of the most proactive properties when it comes to smoking as many have been reopening as smoke-free spaces in the wake of the pandemic, citing health fears for their communities.

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The iconic guitar, synonymous with the international entertainment brand Hard Rock, will soon be arriving on the Strip in the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas. Earlier this week, Clark County officials greenlighted the design for the new guitar-shaped tower that is expected to emerge at the Mirage, likely replacing the volcano site.

The guitar-shaped tower will be a hotel offering some 600 rooms for guests. Additionally, the new tower would feature restaurants, gaming space and other amenities, spanning nearly 40 floors in height. The Clark County Commissioners’ vote that greenlighted the guitar-shaped tower happened on Wednesday. The permits for the plan and re-design of the Mirage confirm that the existing tower will remain. However, next to it, a new 660 feet tall guitar-shaped tower would be built.

“Clark County Commissioners just approved permits and designs for the plan on the current site of the Mirage Las Vegas volcano. The existing tower will remain and a new 660 feet tall guitar-shaped tower with 600 suites will be built,“

reads a statement released by Clark County

The Company Plans to Revamp the Mirage

It was back in December when Hard Rock International (HRI), secured approval for the acquisition of the Mirage from MGM Resorts. The company agreed to acquire the property in a deal for $1.08 billion, which was initially announced late in 2021.

Although HRI hinted at plans to revamp the property, the entertainment giant confirmed that those plans would not impact its operation and it won’t be closed. At the time, the company noted it has “no current plans to cease operation of The Mirage and any reporting to the contrary is inaccurate.”

Still, considering the construction works needed for the revamp of the property, HRI did not rule out a short temporary closure of the property. However, if that happens it may be at some point in 2024 and only given that the construction works require it.

The latest approval now marks another major milestone for Hard Rock as it allows the company to get closer to introducing a guitar-shaped tower that will likely become one of the landmarks in Las Vegas.

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