This may be a "canary in the coal mine" kind of indicator. Business is down in Nevada brothels -- way down. It is so low that brothels are buying billboard ads to advertise their wares.
AdvertisingAge reports:
In Nevada, where legal brothels have operated since the late 19th century, business is suddenly a bit slow. George Flint, director of the
Nevada Brothel Owners' Association, said revenue at the 25 legal bordellos for which he lobbies is down 25 percent to 45 percent, depending on the location. "We used to say Nevada was immune from recession," Mr. Flint said. "Not anymore."
This story isn't just about prostitution -- it's about whether spending on such things is affected by the economy. Consider gambling: I was just in Albuquerque, N.M., teaching at the New Mexico Broadcasters Association convention. The meetings were held at a resort hotel that included a casino. I noticed (in a highly unscientific survey) that the penny and nickel machines were full of players, but the dollar machines were not.
Here are some questions to consider:
- Is brothel business down because the services are now readily available closer to town?
- Is it a sign of the economy somehow?
- Do people stop spending on vices in order to pay for essentials? (Somehow, I doubt it.)
- How has local casino spending been lately?
- How about bingo game attendance? Race track betting? Lottery ticket sales?
See additional stories:
Ms. Blanton is correct. In addition to the online gambling,...
