Index
Business & FinanceNevada, USA

Nevada Legal Prostitution Laws

Summary

Nevada is the only U.S. state where prostitution is legally permitted, but it is strictly heavily regulated and only legal inside licensed brothels in specific rural counties.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Prostitution is completely ILLEGAL in Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) because state law prohibits brothels in counties with populations over 400,000.
  • 02.
    Prostitution is only legal if it occurs inside a state-licensed, heavily regulated brothel in one of the approved rural counties (like Nye or Lyon County).
  • 03.
    Street prostitution, escort services, or paying for sex outside of a licensed brothel is illegal everywhere in the state.
  • 04.
    Sex workers in legal brothels must be at least 21 years old and undergo mandatory weekly testing for STIs and monthly testing for HIV.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Engaging in prostitution outside of a licensed brothel (e.g., in a Las Vegas hotel room) is a misdemeanor for both the buyer and the seller.
  • 02.
    Brothel owners who fail to follow the strict health testing protocols face severe felony charges and the immediate revocation of their license.

Verified Citations

Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 201

Source
"It is unlawful for any person to engage in prostitution or solicitation therefor, except in a licensed house of prostitution."