Episode 2

Tir goes even further into the underbelly of Las Vegas to investigate how the reinvention of the city to pull in a new generation of visitors is affecting those who live and work there.

She meets Nina, a companion who tells her that although the demand for sex workers in Las Vegas has increased, because it’s illegal, sex work is being pushed further underground, with some experiencing abuse and assault. Many choose not to report this, as they fear being arrested themselves.

With crime rates in Vegas higher than the national average, many businesses employ private security to protect their properties. Tir goes out with one of them to see for herself how they deal with the growing homeless community – moving them on and making sure the land around the casinos is left clear of people and belongings.

With rents in Vegas up 35 per cent in five years, many workers here just can’t afford it, and the empty dwellings attract homeless people. Tir joins the security guards as they patrol housing estates, fully armed to make sure any squatters are quickly evicted.

Tir tracks some homeless people down – living in storm drains under the casinos in almost total darkness. She meets one man who has been there for four years.

There is some light at the end of the tunnel, though, as Tir meets Juana, an ex-homeless drug addict, who, with the help of a charity, has now got her children back and a job lined up, and is looking forward to a better life.

Tir reflects at the end of her visit that her perception of Las Vegas has changed from it being a glossy, lavish place to a city with a dark underbelly.