Between 1931 and the late 1950s, the Divorce Ranch industry served as a critical economic bridge for Las Vegas, connecting the frontier era to the modern resort age. Triggered by Assembly Bill 2 (1931), which reduced residency requirements for divorce to six weeks, these ranches hosted high-net-worth individuals seeking to dissolve their marriages.

The Legal Innovation

In an era when most states made divorce nearly impossible, Nevada offered a loophole: establish residency for six weeks, and you could divorce for any reason. This attracted a steady stream of wealthy, usually female, clients willing to pay premium rates for discreet accommodations.

The Ranches

Properties like Tule Springs and Lorenzi Park provided secluded, high-cost lodging and "witness services" for legal proceedings. These weren't mere hotels—they were immersive experiences offering horseback riding, desert excursions, and the romantic mythology of the American West.

Economic Impact

This industry fueled the early casino ecosystem by providing a steady stream of affluent patrons to the El Rancho Vegas and The Last Frontier during weekdays. These newly single women, often flush with settlement money, became reliable casino customers.

Decline

The industry collapsed in the 1950s due to the rise of air-conditioned luxury hotels on the Strip and the liberalization of divorce laws in other US states. Nevada's monopoly on easy divorce ended, but by then, the casinos no longer needed it.