Economic Tough Times Hit Nevada Brothel

Prostitution: More Demand, Less Money

The Mustang Ranch is a multimillion-dollar business and, despite the unique product, it's run with sophistication and a keen eye on the profit margin. Austin is a former prostitute and shrewd businesswoman who never goes anywhere without her German guard dog named Cita. These days, she is worried. Despite strong demand, the clients are spending less money.

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"Well, recently, business has dropped off dramatically dollar-wise, a lot of men coming in, a lot of parties, but less money," she said. "They don't have as much to spend."

The girls at the brothel love to brag about making big money; thousands a week in some cases. But the women are willing to accept less, Austin said.

"They have obligations as well, they've got to earn their living they've got families to support, bills to pay, their lifestyle is changing a little bit as a result of it."

A prostitute named Ginger told "Nightline" that, in terms of her discussions with clients, money is a hot topic these days.

"Yeah, I mean [clients are] very open about it and that's why we, like I said, we try to work with them. We're not going to turn them down, you know, everyone is suffering a little bit right now," she said.

"I always say that people will find money for the three things they love in life: drugs, liquor and sex," said one woman. "So with that being said, I think people will actually extend their budget a little bit and put off paying that one bill and come here and get that stress relief that they can get from spending a couple hours with a lady."

The irony for Austin is that while the money is drying up, more women are applying for jobs. "And the age group is going older," she said. "I had a 72-year-old apply for a job."

She says the poor economy has forced her to lay off 30 percent of her staff, unheard of in a business generally regarded as a printing press for making money.