text: las vegas question. i have heard that prostitution is legal just out side the city. it sounds wierd to me.? can you explain this to me it doesnt make sence. prostitution is illegal in the us and in las vegas but why just outside the city? nevada allows counties to set their own prostitution policies.  none of the major ones (clark, washoe, carson city) allow it, but a lot of the smaller ones do.  in the early 20th century we were losing population and at risk of losing statehood, so they legalized a bunch of stuff that was difficult to do or flatout illicit in california to attract more people, including quickie divorces, gambling, and prostitution.  if you want sex in vegas, go to nye county.  lincoln county (the other neighbor to vegas' clark county) also prohibits prostitutions.