Nevada Brothel Peeved Over Ad Policy

VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. – Just outside of Carson City, where prostitution and gambling are legal, sits one of the most famous brothels, and also one of the oldest. But business at the 50-year-old Bunny Ranch took a turn this week when brothel owner Dennis Hof found that small town life is rife with contention.

Hof's beef in particular is with a Storey County advertising policy that pitted his business against other local brothels by not allowing him to advertise in the area or sponsor local events.

Storey County, a 262-square mile area and one of the smallest counties in Nevada, is also home to two more brothels, the Wild Horse and Old Bridge.

Hof is hopping mad because brothel rivals had no problem getting sponsorship deals at the local Grand Prix motorcycle races last month.

Hof contends that the hypocrisy of the local ad policy is playing favorites over competing companies.

The Bunny Ranch is a longtime supporter of the Virginia City Annual Mountain Oyster Fry, but when Hof tried to spread the word about the Bunny Ranch farther up the county line, he was rebuffed by County Commissioners, who Hof calls the most "corrupt officials in the state."

"All they're doing is showing favoritism," Hof told XBiz. "What they came up with was this regulation, but they're using it on a selective basis."

Storey County advertising policy forbids brothels from advertising anywhere in the area, including print advertising, billboards, and television ad spots. However, brothels are invited to do promotions, which include sponsorships and other behind-the-scenes contributions.

Hof is also miffed that the other brothels were never cited for violating the law even after the Storey District Attorney confirmed that current law prohibits brothel advertisements.

Many brothels tend to advertise their services across county lines through billboards and print advertising, but in-county, they are asked to keep a low profile.

"It's pretty hypocritical," Hof said. "We're just trying to understand it. I've spent a lot of money trying to promote Virginia City and it's just irritating."

In the meantime, Hof has expressed interest in taking the issue up with local officials and voters of the community, who he feels will lean in favor of enforcing fairness in county policy.

The Moonlight Bunny Ranch is credited with helping the state of Nevada pioneer prostitution in 1972. The Ranch is also the subject of an HBO reality documentary called "Cathouse" that takes viewers into the daily lives of real working girls through hidden cameras in the bedrooms of the brothel.

The Bunny Ranch is also making plans to host Primetime news anchor Diane Sawyer during a future news segment on ranch, although the dates are still being hammered out between Hof and show producers.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Wicked Premieres 1st Installment of Seth Gamble's Erotic Drama 'Love/Hate'

Wicked Pictures has released the debut installment of multi-XMAs award winner Seth Gamble's latest series, "Love/Hate."

Anastasia's Bedroom Introduces 'Lightly Loved Lingerie' Collection

Anastasia’s Bedroom, a Canadian-based online retailer, has debuted its Lightly Loved Lingerie collection.

AV Bulletin: Loopholes and Lawsuits

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

LELO Debuts 'Surfer 2' Anal Plug

LELO has introduced its new Surfer 2 anal plug.

Utah 'Porn Tax' Bill Will Head to Governor's Desk

A bill that would tax adult websites and make them liable if minors circumvent geolocation has passed the Utah state legislature and will soon head to the office of Gov. Spencer Cox for signature or veto.

Aleksa Mink Fronts Latest From Reality Kings

Aleksa Mink stars with Dick Dealer Don in the latest release from Reality Kings.

Angie Lynx Toplines Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs 6'

Angie Lynx headlines the sixth volume of director Angelo Godshack's "Hardcore Gangbangs," from Evil Angel.

Pornhub to Restrict Access in Australia as AV Rules Take Effect

Pornhub parent company Aylo will restrict access to its free video-sharing platforms in Australia in response to new age verification regulations, the company confirmed Thursday.

Our Erotic Journey Expands 'Cristal Collection' of Vibrators

Our Erotic Journey has introduced five new vibrators from its Cristal Collection.

Nice & Naughty Names Chris Fleiger Director of Operations

Michigan-based retail chain Nice & Naughty has appointed Chris Fleiger as its new director of operations.

Show More