As Summer Pool Season Begins, Las Vegas Casinos Alerted About Prostitution and Drugs
Posted on: June 24, 2025, 10:41h.
Last updated on: June 24, 2025, 10:57h.
- Las Vegas pools are bustling with summer underway
- Nevada gaming officials are reminding casinos that they’re responsible for all activity on their premises
- Casinos risk fines and other penalties if unlawful activity occurs on their properties
Summer has officially arrived, and with daily highs in Las Vegas averaging around triple digits, the Strip’s casino pools and day clubs are hopping. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is using the moment to remind its licensees that they are responsible for satisfying the state’s many gaming conditions as they relate to unlawful activity.
In a notice to all nonrestricted licensees and interested parties that operate party pools, day clubs, ultra-lounges, nightclubs, and similar venues, the NGCB, along with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), reminded gaming operators that they are responsible for ensuring that such venues remain free of drugs, prostitution, and violence.
Regardless of the association or contractual agreement between the licensee, a lessee, or a third-party operator/manager, the licensee remains responsible for ensuring operations conducted on its premises comply with all federal, state, and local laws and Nevada State gaming regulations. The Board continues its focus on this critical matter, and licensees will be held accountable for breaches of this responsibility,” the letter read from NGCB Enforcement Division Chief Kristi Torgerson and LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
Other potential areas of concern, the notice said, include sexual assault, theft, underage patrons, criminal activity related to entertainers and their associates, and security screening procedures.
NGCB Commends Licensees
While the NGCB reminded relevant licensees to comply with its rules, the state regulatory body also gave praise to the gaming industry it oversees.
Since the inception of gaming laws and regulations to address these areas of concern within the industry, licensees have taken numerous proactive steps to prevent these incidents/situations. We commend the development of these world-class entertainment venues, but the incidents described above reflect poorly on the venue, the licensee, the gaming industry, and the State of Nevada,” the letter continued.
“Involved law enforcement entities are taking necessary measures to deal with illegal acts or unsuitable business practices. However, persistent problems at any of these venues will be considered an unsuitable method of operation by the Board and may result in disciplinary actions,” Torgerson and McMahill concluded.
Though cannabis is legal both recreationally and medicinally in Nevada, marijuana consumption is not to occur anywhere other than inside a private residence or state-licensed consumption lounge. Hotel rooms aren’t considered private residences and, therefore, marijuana isn’t to be used, though any recent visitor to Southern Nevada knows the law is commonly violated and rarely enforced.
Among the biggest pools on the Strip are Mandalay Bay’s 11-acre beach and wave pool, Resorts World’s 5.5-acre pool complex, MGM Grand’s 6.5-acre oasis, and Fontainebleau’s six-acre, seven-pool destination.
No, Prostitution isn’t Legal in Las Vegas
Sin City is home to an array of vices, but it’s a common misconception that prostitution in Las Vegas is legal. Engaging in or soliciting prostitution is illegal in Clark County. A misdemeanor, punishments can include fines, jail time, and community service.
Prostitution is allowed in 10 of Nevada’s 17 counties — Churchill, Elko, Esmeralda, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Storey, and White Pine — though there are no active brothels in Churchill, Esmeralda, or Humboldt.
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