US: Is Prostitution against the law?

Question

In the US, is prostitution against the law? Because I believe it is... but sometimes i get confused.

watch this

http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&fg=rss&vid=179fab95-e182-4a2c-b92b-5bd15910017f&from=im_default

If it is against the law, why is it ok for them to go public?

Or is a "call-girl" something different?

What am I misunderstanding?

So many are CLEARLY out there, publicily, and never get caught..

(Note: I'm not from the US)

Answer 1

It is in most states, however I believe it is legal within the town borders of LasVegas Nevada.  (But almost everywhere else it is illegal.)

Answer 2

It is illegal in every state except Nevada.  In Nevada, prostitution is VERY strictly regulated by the state.  Street prostitution is illegal.  There are several state-licensed establishments and serices that are taxed and must conform to the laws of the U.S. Department of Labor, and all state health, environmental, and safety laws - just like any other service provider (hairdresser, massage parlor, spa, doctor's office, etc.).  s*x workers in Nevada have to undergo RIGOROUS regular medical monitoring, which is overseen by the state.  

The only reason that Nevada can do this is because the state was originally founded as a mining colony with very few women other than prostitutes to service the miners; and Nevada has a very small population, which makes it easy to monitor activites such as the s*x, gambling, and entertainment industries.