The Virginia General Assembly is currently deliberating a proposal to establish a resort-style casino in Tysons, Fairfax County. Introduced by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, the bill aims to create an entertainment district with a casino, hotels, a convention center, and performing arts venues.

While labor unions support the casino, this initiative has sparked a robust debate among lawmakers, community members, and industry stakeholders.

Senate Bill 982, introduced by Senator Surovell, seeks to amend existing legislation to designate Fairfax County as an eligible host locality for casino gaming. The bill outlines specific criteria for the proposed location within the county and mandates a local referendum to secure voter approval before any casino development can proceed.

Potential Revenue

Proponents of the Tysons casino project highlight significant economic benefits. Senator Surovell points out that Virginians contribute approximately $300 million in annual tax revenue to Maryland by patronizing MGM National Harbor. By establishing a casino in Tysons, these funds could be redirected to support Virginia’s public services, including education and infrastructure.

Opponents’ Concerns

Conversely, some community members and organizations have raised objections. The McLean Citizens Association, for instance, has mobilized opposition, citing concerns about introducing gambling into the community.

Additionally, a group of former national security and intelligence professionals cautions that the casino’s proximity to sensitive government facilities could pose security risks, potentially making personnel with security clearances vulnerable to exploitation.

Virginia Gambling Laws

Virginia has three casino locations and several slot parlors. Offshore casinos can also accept VA players, as no state gambling laws forbid their use.

Domestic casinos were first launched in 2022, when the temporary Hard Rock Bristol opened its doors. The state allows commercial gaming facilities to accept players over the age of 21 and offer class III table games (blackjack, slots, baccarat, roulette, etc.).

Regulatory and Approval Process

For the casino project to materialize in Fairfax County, the following steps must be completed:

• Legislative Approval: The General Assembly must pass Senate Bill 982 to authorize Fairfax County as a potential casino host.
• Local Referendum: Upon legislative approval, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors would be empowered to hold a referendum, allowing residents to vote on the casino proposal.
• Development Planning: If the referendum passes, detailed plans for the entertainment district will be developed, followed by zoning approvals and construction.

Salem, New Hampshire, recently approved a new “charitable” gaming facility despite concerns from the neighboring community of Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Located just over the New Hampshire state line, the city of Lawrence is the poorest in the state, and community leaders fear that a new casino-style gaming facility could lead to addiction and further poverty. Despite the concerns and the city asking Salem to reconsider, the state plans to proceed with the project.

On November 26th, the Salem Planning Board voted 5-2 to approve the project slated for the old Lord & Taylor store at The Mall at Rockingham Park. The casino will offer 1,300+ jobs, multiple restaurants, and event space.

New Hampshire Gambling Laws

The state of New Hampshire does not allow commercial casino gaming; however, it does allow charitable gaming. Charitable gaming in the state consists of blackjack, poker, and roulette. While other casino staples such as slots and baccarat are not allowed, the exception for charitable gaming offers residents entertainment and the state additional revenue.

Despite not having full access to class III casino gaming options, the state has 14 charitable gaming facilities that pay 35% of its gross gaming revenues to local charities. Another 10% of revenue goes to the state to fund educational programs.

Lawrence Officials Speak Out

Stephany Infante, vice president of the Lawrence City Council, is concerned that a new casino just over the state line will target residents of Lawrence. She stated to media sources, “In Lawrence, we’re trying to tackle financial struggle, mental health issues, addiction, et cetera, and this is just going to add another component to those challenges.” She also expressed her concern that “People who are struggling financially, or with gambling, which is an addiction, that’s the clientele any casino targets.”

The Lawrence City Council sent a resolution to the Salem Planning Board claiming that Lawrence residents are a primary target for the new casino. Several Lawrence City residents are concerned that a 10-minute drive to a casino could facilitate further criminal activities tied to money laundering.

Are Online Casinos Legal In New Hampshire?

New Hampshire does not license or authorize online casinos within state lines. Despite the restrictions, offshore casinos have been accepting players from New Hampshire and Massachusetts since the late 1990s and have become the go-to option for many players.

Online casino sites offer players popular casino games such as slots, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker, sports betting, and more. They also offer bigger bonuses, traditional and non-traditional casino banking options, and more game variations, which makes it easy to see why many players gamble online.

The Week 14 Thursday Night Football matchup features a high-stakes NFL battle as the Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. The game will take place on December 5, 2024, at 8:15 PM ET. This NFC North clash has significant playoff implications, as both the Lions and Packers are in the post-season hunt.

Below, we will examine several key aspects of the two teams and the NFL betting odds associated with the contest.

Overview

The Detroit Lions (11-1) are riding high as division leaders, while the Green Bay Packers (9-3) aim to bolster their playoff hopes. Detroit is seeking a season sweep after a 24-14 victory at Lambeau Field earlier this year.

Game Line Odds

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions
Spread: +3.5 (-115), -3.5 (-105)
Win: +160, -185
Total: O52.0 (EVEN), U52.0 (-120)

The over/under reflects optimism about a high-scoring affair, though both defenses will play pivotal roles.

Matchups

Jared Goff vs. Packers’ Secondary – Lions quarterback Jared Goff continues to shine, orchestrating an offense that ranks among the league’s best in efficiency. Green Bay’s secondary, led by standout Jaire Alexander, will aim to contain wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Jordan Love vs. Lions’ Injured Defense – With Detroit’s defense missing Malcolm Rodriguez and Mekhi Wingo, Love has an opportunity to exploit a weakened front. His connection with wideout Christian Watson will be crucial in moving the chains.

The Battle in the Trenches – The Lions boast one of the NFL’s premier offensive lines, while Green Bay relies on Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary to disrupt the run game and pressure Goff.

Game Prediction

The Lions are expected to win this game, as they did earlier in the season, extending their dominance in the NFC.

How To Bet On NFL Games

Offshore sports betting sites offer the most odds for NFL competitions with game lines, futures, and props for each contest. You can bet on NFL games after creating and funding your account.

Online sportsbooks offer several perks to entice players to take action, including bonus rewards, crypto deposits and withdrawals, and returning player reward programs. Once you set up your account, you can access numerous betting lines with the online sportsbook apps.