Las Vegas Brothels - The List and What You Should Know
Prostitution Laws in Las Vegas
Many visitors to Las Vegas are confused about the city's prostitution laws. The mobile billboards advertising "girls straight to your room" and the endless flyers for escort services give the impression that paying for sex is legal in Sin City. In reality, prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas and all of Clark County.
Nevada is the only U.S. state that allows some legal prostitution, but state law limits it to licensed brothels in rural counties. Clark County (home to Las Vegas) is above the population threshold and is explicitly barred from licensing brothels. That hasn't changed in 2025. Any commercial sexual activity within Las Vegas city limits—including escort work that involves sex—is a criminal offense.
What Are "Las Vegas Brothels"?
Despite the legal restrictions, you'll still hear the term "Las Vegas brothels." It's a common shorthand used to describe brothels located just outside Las Vegas—in counties where prostitution is legal. These are not located in the city of Las Vegas, but in neighboring Nye County. For example, Pahrump, Nevada—about 60 miles west of the Strip—is home to licensed brothels that cater to Vegas-area visitors.
In short: if you want to pay for sex legally near Las Vegas, you'll need to leave Clark County.
Why Go to a Legal Brothel?
With so many escort ads in Las Vegas, you might wonder why someone would take the time to visit a legal brothel instead. Three main reasons:
Discretion and privacy.
Licensed brothels are confidential, professional, and operate with discretion. Clients check in privately, and their information is never shared. By contrast, unlicensed sex work in Las Vegas can carry legal risk—and public exposure if arrested.
Health and safety.
Nevada law requires legal sex workers to undergo frequent STI and HIV testing. There has never been a reported case of STI or HIV transmission from a licensed brothel in Nevada. Brothels also maintain 24/7 on-site security.
Transparency.
Escort services in Las Vegas are known for bait-and-switch tactics and photos provided may not be representative of the actual ladies offered. In a legal brothel, the women you view and interact with online are the exact women you meet in person—all with current profiles on the brothel's website.
Sheri's Ranch – Closest Legal Brothel to Las Vegas
One of the most well-known and well-reviewed legal brothels near Las Vegas is Sheri's Ranch in Pahrump. Often described as a "brothel resort," Sheri's offers an upscale, relaxed experience with on-site hotel rooms, a full-service bar and restaurant, a pool, and several themed suites and VIP bungalows.
In a widely shared Business Insider feature, a reporter described Sheri's as clean, comfortable, and unexpectedly welcoming. The article also highlighted the professionalism of the staff, the friendliness of the women, and the overall sense of security and respect.
Sheri's also offers adult vacation packages that include hotel stays, dinner with a courtesan, private parties, transportation from Las Vegas, and other all-inclusive options.
Where Are the Legal Brothels Near Las Vegas?
While you'll hear people refer to "brothels in Las Vegas," they're all technically outside of city limits. As of 2025, there are roughly 18–20 active brothels in Nevada. The closest to Las Vegas are in Nye County, particularly in Pahrump.
Sheri's Ranch is the closest legal brothel to Las Vegas—about an hour away by car. Complimentary transportation from Las Vegas is available with advance reservation.
Any establishment advertising sex services inside Las Vegas is operating illegally, regardless of how professional it may appear.
View Nevada Brothel List - Google My Maps in a larger map
Bottom Line
If you're planning to explore legal sex work during your Vegas visit, make sure you understand the law. There are no licensed brothels in Las Vegas. But just beyond the county line, you'll find regulated, discreet, and professionally operated brothels that offer something no Vegas escort can: legality, safety, privacy and peace of mind.
Sheri's Ranch is open 24/7, provides complimentary transportation from Las Vegas and welcomes visitors 365 days a year.