Historic Love Ranch Brothel Outside Las Vegas Razed to the Ground

Historic Love Ranch Brothel Outside Las Vegas Razed to the Ground

By Michael Thompson

November 21, 2024 at 10:10 AM

Dennis Hof's Love Ranch, a notorious brothel located 80 miles outside Las Vegas in Nevada's Nye County, was recently demolished. The establishment, which operated legally under Nevada state law, consisted of 15 one-bedroom suites, a bar, two kitchens, and a VIP room on 15 acres in Crystal.

Excavator at demolition site

Excavator at demolition site

Hof purchased the property in 2010, already famous from HBO's "Cathouse" series. The brothel operated 24/7, with licensed independent contractors splitting their income with the house, subject to a 9% state tax. Nevada's licensed brothels generate approximately $75 million annually.

Three casino staff members posing

Three casino staff members posing

The establishment gained national attention in 2015 when NBA star Lamar Odom overdosed in its VIP room, suffering 12 strokes and six heart attacks while recuperating. In 2018, the brothel temporarily closed due to code violations but reopened following a court ruling.

Desert house with decorative statuary

Desert house with decorative statuary

Hof died of natural causes in October 2018 in the same bedroom where Odom had overdosed. Remarkably, he won a seat in the Nevada Assembly posthumously, running as the "Trump from Pahrump."

Spacious bedroom with large bed

Spacious bedroom with large bed

The Love Ranch closed permanently after Hof's death and was sold in late 2022 to Dallas resident Jan Jensen, founder of the Jensen Project, an anti-prostitution nonprofit. Jensen ordered the demolition to erase all evidence of the brothel's existence, according to former staff.

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