there are always risks.  However, since many providers have the hobby as their sole source of income, it is highly unlikely that they would jeopardize their livelihood by not taking precautions.  From what I have read, the opinion seems to be that you are more likely to catch something from a civvie you picked up in the bar last night than from a provider.

As far as LE in Vegas, I can't comment on that since I do not live there.  It's something we have to be careful of no matter where we are.

Being happily married with no bedroom issues, I don't know why you would want to enter the hobby, other than for some variety.  But, no, I don't think you are nuts, just my opinion, since I do not know why you are considering hobbying.

Hope this helps,
Swim

Just how common are STDs among providers and how significant are the risks if all precautions are taken (i.e. CBJ, no DATY etc) ?  How about HSV-1 and HSV-2?

In regard to LE it would seem that Vegas is lower risk than other places.  Is this a correct assumption?

Finally, I'm happily married and there are no bedroom issues.  Am I nuts for even considering this hobby?
Thanks for any help you can give.

It's not legal in all of Clark County, the county Vegas resides in....

I'm in Vegas a number of times a year and have hobbied there. Do NOT assume anything. Vegas is unlike many cities. CGs are roaming all over the casino late at night.  Pick one up and all bets are off.
Scams B/S upsell etc.  are common, providers with larceny in mind, know that tourist are unlikely to report a crime. If you're in Vegas for a convention and you see those biz cards with a pic of a hot lady offering all types of in room service stay away.

Go to a strip club, Rhino, OG or any other, try and pick up a lady. You never know.  
Hotel security is aware of wha'ts going on, they just don't want it out in the open.  My advice, use the normal reserch techniques that newbs are instructed to use and should have a great time in Vegas.  
And write a review of your experience.

Yeah, agreed with what HH says here re. Vegas.  It seems like an adult playground, but you really have to do your homework just like in any other city.  Finding a well-reviewed independent is your best option.

Do NOT call the phone numbers on the cards the "porn slappers" will hand you on the Strip.  Bait-and-switch at best.

The casino girls ("CGs") are an interesting spinoff of the streetwalker genre.  If that's your thing, go for it.  Personally, I dislike the game and the negotiation up in the room.  It's a turnoff.

Since it hasn't been said directly, prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas.  It is legal in smaller towns (I believe if they are under 40,000 in population), but not in LV.

The bottom line is that if you were "happily married" and experiencing no issues in the sack, you would NOT be browsing an escort site, let alone contemplating delving into the hobby. So the first thing you need to do is admit to yourself that something is lacking in your marriage and that you believe spending time with a wonderful provider of your choosing will cure what ails you. Once you overcome this little hurdle, you will enjoy your time in the hobby and all the experiences it offers. Right now you are scared to commit. Only you can decide when its time to take the plunge.

As far as STD's, everything in life is a risk. Personally, I trust a well reviewed and well thought of  provider more than the civilian slut I can pick up at closing tiime at the bar. But that's me; you decide for yourself.

Without having much experience in Vegas, I would intuitively think that the Vegas strip and Casinos are a higher risk for LE involvement than in other major cities. As alluded to, everywhere in Vegas you go they are throwing sex in your face. It has to be on your mind. How easy would it be for a female cop to proposition a slightly drunk casino patron and get him to go along with her? Not very hard to imagine.

Stay safe and good luck.

Hardy wrote pretty much everything I would have said.
There is always a risk in getting an STD.
And as far as you being "happily married" that would quickly change
if you brought home an std or if your wife ever asked you where that $300-$1000
cash withdrawal went.

You must learn & follow all guides for security.  You have much to lose.   You MUST learn to leave no tracks that can come back to bite you in the @ss.  
Separate hobby phone
Separate & secure hobby email
do not use company computer or internet for adult activities (guys have been fired)
Do not use credit card anywhere you are not supposed to be
Do not make cash withdrawals matching unexlained absences

There's way more...  read the self help section...  read back on this board until you can answer every Q yourself.

Thanks for the help.  got some thinking to do.

Haveing not read the previous responses I will appologize if I repeat anything others have said!

If you are indeed happily married it is incumbant upon you to decide if this hobby is indeed something you can handle! It is something that very easily becomes difficult to let go of and once you are caught there is nothing you can do... There is inherent risk in partaking in this activity so you should be willing to accept the potential fall out. I've been caught in the past and I am uber cautious... regardless there is always a chnace so don't ever forget that!

STD's... They are not very common at all! Fotunately, we live in a day and age where the vast majority of folks are prudent enough to get tested and play safely in the hobby which makes the overal risk of any infection pretty minor. That is not say that it is not possible to recieve or transmit an STD while partaking in the hobby... If you satick with the reputable providers there should be little need for worry! If you are picking girls up off the stree corners you may increase your chances of catching something...

LE in Vegas... BS! Vegas has a crack NARCO and Vice team that look for that sort of thing.. especially in the Casino's. They generally look for the sorts taht are less favorable but do not be nieve enought to believe Vegas is somehow less observant or more tolerant of this sort of activity! I have never had a personal run in with LE in Vegas but I've heard horror stories and close calls from multiple sources! I've also seen ladies escorted from hotels in handcuffs so Vegas is not an exception!

Hope that answers your questions!

Fog