Nevada stands out in the United States with its distinctive approach to prostitution laws. While largely prohibited across the country, the Silver State permits licensed brothels in certain counties, a fact that often piques curiosity, especially with recent discussions about banning brothels in some regions and a prominent brothel owner’s political aspirations.
Dennis Hof, a well-known figure in Nevada’s brothel industry and a former political candidate, famously described Nevada as “the last live-and-let-live state in the country.” This sentiment reflects the state’s historically tolerant attitude towards certain vices. However, for those intrigued by Nevada’s legal prostitution, it’s crucial to understand the specific regulations and geographical limitations. The legality of selling sex in Nevada is not a blanket allowance and comes with significant restrictions.
Let’s delve into the key aspects of legal prostitution in Nevada to clarify where and how it operates within the United States.
People stand outside the Chicken Ranch brothel in Pahrump on Thursday, April 19, 2018.
Image: Patrons outside the Chicken Ranch brothel in Pahrump, Nevada, illustrating a legal prostitution establishment in a permitted county.
How Did Prostitution Become Legal in Parts of Nevada?
The history of brothels in Nevada traces back to the state’s 19th-century mining boom. While many parts of the U.S. began to criminalize prostitution more formally in the early 20th century, Nevada adopted a different path. Initially, prostitution wasn’t explicitly legal, but it was largely tolerated, especially in brothels, while activities like streetwalking were subject to vagrancy laws.
Post-Civil War, a national movement against prostitution emerged, initially focusing on ending the licensing of brothels across various states. This era, connected with the abolitionist movement, saw a series of laws aimed at curbing the exploitation of women in prostitution, particularly between 1911 and 1915.
However, Nevada remained an exception. While brothels operated openly for decades, it wasn’t until 1971 that Storey County officially legalized Joe Conforte’s Mustang Ranch Brothel. This marked the first instance of explicit legal sanctioning of a brothel in Nevada, as historian Guy Rocha explained to the Reno Gazette-Journal. This landmark decision formalized what had been a long-standing, albeit unofficial, practice.
Where Exactly is Prostitution Legal in Nevada?
Nevada law is very specific about where prostitution can be legal. State statutes prohibit both solicitation and prostitution unless it occurs within a licensed brothel. Furthermore, Nevada state law bans licensed brothels in counties with populations exceeding 700,000. Currently, this population restriction applies solely to Clark County, which encompasses Las Vegas – meaning no legal brothels operate in Las Vegas.
In practice, legal prostitution through licensed brothels is permitted in only ten of Nevada’s sixteen counties. Even within these counties, the allowance is restricted to licensed brothels. Churchill County, for example, technically permits prostitution, but no brothel licenses are currently active there since 2004.
The counties that permit brothels throughout their jurisdiction include Esmeralda, Lander, Mineral, Nye, and Storey. Elko, Humboldt, Lyon, and White Pine counties are more restrictive, allowing brothels only within specific incorporated communities.
Crucially, prostitution is illegal in Clark, Washoe, Carson City, Pershing, Douglas, Eureka, and Lincoln counties. This list includes major population centers like Las Vegas and Reno, as well as the state capital, Carson City. Therefore, the idea of widespread legal prostitution in Nevada is a misconception; it is geographically limited to specific, mostly rural, counties.
How Many Legal Brothels Operate in Nevada?
Recent estimates, such as a count by the L.A. Times in early May, indicate that approximately 20 licensed brothels are currently operational in Nevada.
Nye County is home to four of these brothels, including two previously owned by Dennis Hof. Lyon County also hosts four brothels, all of which were also under Hof’s ownership.
The remaining brothels are scattered across other counties: Storey County has the Mustang Ranch in Sparks; Mineral County features the Wild Cat Brothel in Mina; White Pine County includes the Stardust Ranch Brothel and Big 4 Ranch in Ely; Lander County has the Hot Desert Club Girls in Battle Mountain; and Elko County is home to seven brothels, such as the Dove Tail Ranch and Sharon’s Brothel and Bar in Carlin, the Desert Rose Gentlemen’s Club, Inez’s D&D, Mona’s Ranch, and Sue’s Fantasy Club in Elko, as well as Bella’s Hacienda Ranch and Donna’s Ranch in Wells.
Does Nevada Generate Tax Revenue from Prostitution?
While Nevada does collect revenue from the prostitution industry, it’s not through a direct excise tax on sex acts. Brothels and sex workers are required to pay state business license fees.
In 2009, a proposal was made by then-State Senator Bob Coffin to implement a $5-per-day tax on customers of prostitution services. Projections estimated this could generate $2 million annually, based on an estimated 400,000 customer days in Nevada’s legal brothels each year. Despite support from some within the industry, the bill failed to progress in the legislature, facing opposition, including from then-Governor Jim Gibbons, who expressed concerns that taxing prostitution would legitimize it, something he did not support.
Have There Been Attempts to Ban Legal Prostitution in Nevada?
Efforts to end legal prostitution in Nevada are not new. In 2011, former Senator Harry Reid urged Nevada legislators to ban prostitution. He argued that Nevada should be known for innovation and investment rather than as a place where prostitution is legal, citing concerns raised by visiting business leaders about the presence of brothels in Storey County.
Despite Reid’s call, no legislative action was taken, and then-Governor Brian Sandoval deferred the decision to individual counties.
More recently, a renewed movement to ban prostitution in specific counties has emerged. Lyon and Nye counties have seen efforts to put brothel bans to county-wide votes, indicating ongoing local debates about the future of legal prostitution in these areas.
Are Brothels in Nevada Allowed to Advertise?
Advertising restrictions are in place for Nevada brothels. Nevada law prohibits brothels from advertising in areas where prostitution is illegal, either by local ordinance or state law. Even in jurisdictions where brothels are legal, advertising is restricted. Brothels are prohibited from advertising “in any public theater, on the public streets of any city or town, or on any public highway.” This limits their visibility and marketing reach to discreet channels.
Sheri's Ranch brothel in Pahrump is seen on Thursday, April 19, 2018.
Image: Sheri’s Ranch brothel in Pahrump, Nevada, showcasing the exterior of a licensed brothel in a county where prostitution is legal.
What is the Cost of Services in Nevada Brothels?
The cost of services in Nevada brothels is not fixed and varies significantly. Sex workers negotiate their rates directly with clients for “parties” or sexual encounters. Prices depend on the specific services chosen from a menu offered by the brothel.
Christina Parreira, a sex worker at one of Dennis Hof’s brothels, mentioned to The Nevada Independent that she generally charges a minimum of $1,000 for intercourse. More extensive engagements, such as overnight stays or the “Girlfriend Experience,” which includes non-sexual activities, can cost around $1,000 per hour. Dennis Hof’s autobiography recounts instances of clients spending substantial amounts for extended and elaborate “parties,” sometimes lasting for weeks or months and costing hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
T.J. Moore, a former madam at the Love Ranch South brothel, noted that while workers aim for a minimum price, competition can sometimes drive prices down. She indicated that sex often ranged from $300 to $400, but could sometimes be as low as $80.
How are Sex Workers Compensated in Nevada Brothels?
The compensation structure for sex workers in Nevada brothels typically involves a split of earnings. Workers associated with Dennis Hof’s brothels reported keeping half of their earnings, with the brothel retaining the other half to cover operational costs, including rent, food, and transportation.
Sex workers are classified as independent contractors and are required to obtain business licenses from the State of Nevada. They are also responsible for covering expenses like weekly STD tests and sex worker registration cards, which vary in cost by county. In Nye County, for example, registration fees are $150 per quarter plus an annual fee of $150.
While described as independent contractors, some, like T.J. Moore, argue that this classification is misleading due to brothel policies that govern workers’ movements and expectations to actively promote themselves online. They do not receive typical employee benefits like health insurance, vacation pay, or retirement contributions and are responsible for their own taxes.
What Revenue Do Brothels Generate for Local Governments?
The financial contribution of brothels to local governments varies by county. Nye County, in the last fiscal year, collected $141,779 from worker registration cards and brothel license fees.
Brothel licensing fees in Nye County are tiered based on the number of sex workers. Smaller brothels with up to five workers pay just over $2,300 per quarter, while larger establishments with 26 or more workers pay $46,900 per quarter.
Lyon County brothels pay quarterly licensing fees ranging from approximately $20,000 to $26,000, depending on the number of rooms. Annually, Lyon County generates around $384,000 in revenue from brothel licenses, liquor licenses, and business licenses from the four brothels in the county.
Dennis Hof, in his book, argued that these tax revenues contribute to essential local services, such as doctors, police, EMTs, and public schools.
What is the Minimum Age to Work in a Nevada Brothel?
The minimum age requirement to work as a prostitute in Nevada brothels is not uniform across the state and is set at the county level. For instance, Nye County mandates a minimum age of 21, while Lyon County sets the minimum age at 18.
What is the Experience of Working in a Nevada Brothel Like?
Experiences of working in Nevada brothels are diverse. Christina Parreira, a doctoral candidate who conducted research in brothels for her dissertation, described her experience at Dennis Hof’s Alien Cathouse as initially daunting but eventually enjoyable. She described a “familial atmosphere” and viewed the work as a job providing companionship and sex as a service.
A typical day in a brothel often begins around 11 a.m., with sex workers required to be “show ready” – showered, groomed, and dressed in lingerie, prepared to be chosen by clients. When a client arrives, the workers line up for selection.
Madam Suzette Colette Cole of the Moonlite Bunny Ranch, as quoted in Hof’s book, highlighted the demanding nature of the work, both physically and psychologically. The lineup process itself can be challenging, especially for new workers who may not be chosen immediately.
Both Parreira and Ruby Rae, another sex worker in Hof’s brothels, emphasize that workers have the autonomy to decline clients. This element of choice is considered a core principle within these establishments.
Much of the client acquisition process occurs online, with sex workers actively posting on brothel message boards to attract potential clients. However, discussions about pricing across state lines are discouraged to comply with state and federal laws.
Do Sex Workers in Nevada Brothels Enjoy Their Work?
Perspectives on the work vary greatly among sex workers in Nevada brothels. Lexi James, a worker at Love Ranch North, voiced strong opposition to brothel bans at a Lyon County Commission meeting, arguing against religious interference and asserting that she provides valuable services, including “love” and companionship to various clients. Cara Rain, another brothel worker, emphasized the need for voters to become fully informed about the industry before making decisions about its legality, stating her own happiness in her chosen profession.
Conversely, T.J. Moore presented a less glamorous view, contrasting reality with the portrayal in shows like Cathouse. She noted that many workers face challenges like substance abuse and financial instability and struggle to earn well. Diana Grandmaison, a former pornography actress who worked in Nevada brothels, described the pay as barely sufficient and the experience as demeaning. She now opposes prostitution, legal or illegal, viewing it as inhumane to commodify human beings.
Dennis Hof himself acknowledged the complex backgrounds of many sex workers, noting that some come from difficult family situations and have experienced abuse. This spectrum of experiences underscores the nuanced and often contradictory realities of legal prostitution in Nevada.
Soni Brown, Megan Messerly, and Daniel Rothberg contributed to this report.
