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One of Nevada’s best-known legal brothels is the Chicken Ranch. The Chicken Ranch is about 60 miles west of Las Vegas, just outside the town of Pahrump. It has a long and interesting history as a part of Nevada’s legal sex trade.
A Brief History of the Chicken Ranch
The Chicken Ranch was opened in 1976 by Walter Plankinton as the closest legal brothel to Las Vegas. Plankinton wanted to locate the brothel as close to Sin City as legally allowed. However, he faced opposition from local law enforcement and other brothel owners in Nye County.
Plankinton opened the Chicken Ranch in the town limits of Pahrump, which is against the law for prostitutes. He was quickly arrested and found guilty of breaking town rules. Not deterred, Plankinton just moved the brothel a short distance, just outside the town limits of Pahrump but still in Nye County.
The Chicken Ranch was able to legally run its business after a long legal battle. In 1978, it won a case in the Nevada Supreme Court that upheld its right to do business. The brothel was burned down a few months after the court victory, though. It was thought to have been set on purpose. Plankinton took just 5 days to rebuild with a new set of trailers and get back to business.
The Chicken Ranch Today
Today, the Chicken Ranch operates on a 40-acre property along Homestead Road just outside Pahrump. The main house has 17 beds and the grounds also contain 3 themed bungalows for a more upscale experience.
About 60 women work at the Chicken Ranch, and 12 to 15 of them live and work there at any given time. The women work for themselves and decide what services to offer and how much to charge.
The ranch is adjacent to another famous Nevada brothel, Sheri’s Ranch. Together, these two brothels outside Pahrump form a legal Nevada sex trade mecca just an hour’s drive from Las Vegas.
Inside the Chicken Ranch
The Chicken Ranch provides a comfortable, welcoming environment for legal sex services. The ladies occupy individually decorated rooms throughout the main house and cottages. There is also a bar on-site for visitors who don’t want to enter the brothel itself.
The working women at the Chicken Ranch set their own rules, prices and services. Solicitation is not allowed outside the premises due to Nye County regulations. Inside, the ladies provide girlfriend experiences, erotic massages, and more within the legal parameters of a Nevada brothel.
As independent contractors, the women typically work shifts of two weeks or more at a time. Shuttles run continuously to transport customers and staff between the main Chicken Ranch brothel and the affiliated casino in Pahrump.
More Infamous Nevada Brothels
In addition to the Chicken Ranch and Sheri’s Ranch, several other legal brothels operate around Nevada, mostly near Las Vegas or Reno. Here are some of the most well-known:
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Moonlite BunnyRanch – Perhaps Nevada’s most famous brothel, located near Carson City. Featured on HBO’s Cathouse series.
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Mustang Ranch – Located near Reno, this was Nevada’s first licensed brothel in 1971. Previously owned by Joe Conforte and managed by Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss.
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Love Ranch – Located north of Las Vegas, this brothel was the site of the tragic 2010 death of Lamar Odom.
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Wild Horse Adult Resort – An upscale bordello located about 10 miles from Las Vegas that also offers a nightclub, restaurant, and pool.
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Dennis Hof’s Love Ranch South – The Love Ranch location that Lamar Odom visited, now renamed and located just 10 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
The Legal Framework of Prostitution in Nevada
Commercial sex work is legal at licensed brothels in several Nevada counties. State law prohibits prostitution in counties with populations above 700,000, meaning it is illegal in Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno).
Currently, there are about 20 legal brothels operating around the state. The prostitutes are independent contractors who must register with the local sheriff’s department and undergo regular health screenings.
The Chicken Ranch rests on the frontier of Nevada’s legal sex trade, as close to Vegas as the law allows. For over 40 years, it has built a reputation as a safe, respected brothel and local business serving Pahrump and visitors from Las Vegas seeking a legal prostitution experience.
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Unveiling the legend and lore on the 50th closure anniversary of TX’ infamous Chicken Ranch brothel
FAQ
Does the Chicken Ranch in Texas still exist?
The Chicken Ranch was an illegal brothel in the U. S. state of Texas that operated from 1905 until 1973 in Fayette County, about 2. 5 miles (4. 0 km) east of downtown La Grange.
What happened to the Chicken Ranch in La Grange, TX?
But the truth is that when it closed in 1973, the Chicken Ranch was the oldest continuously operating non-floating whorehouse in the United States. Chicken Ranch souvenirs and memorabilia can be purchased through our online gift shop.
Where is the new Chicken Ranch Casino located?
Welcome to Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Jamestown, California. Nestled within the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills – and just 60 minutes from the beautiful Yosemite National Park – our one-of-a-kind, 21+ Casino Resort is a nesting ground for top-of-the-line luxury, funky fun, and delicious delights.
What happened to the girls at the Chicken Ranch?
Mandy was murdered a few years following her dismissal from the ranch, and the murder is still unsolved. Diane went on to be a successful computer analyst while J. J. reportedly fell into the unfortunate fate that Fran had warned her of.