A New York City stripper said dancers drugging clients for bigger payouts is not common.
Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Drugging clients to increase payoffs at strip clubs is not common, according to Maria, a 28-year-old New York City stripper.
Federal authorities on Wednesday said four strippers impaired rich men before stealing their credit cards, collectively racking up more than $200,000 in charges at two city strip clubs. The women were allegedly given payments proportionate to the money spent.
The allegations areso far from the norm that the case “sounded like a movie,” said Maria, who goes by many names for privacy.
Maria currently dances for bachelor parties and other events, but has worked at a local strip club. She spoke with Metro about her experiences.
Metro:How long have you been a stripper?
Maria: It’s only been in the last year dancing for bachelor parties, but I’ve been in the sex industry for the last 7 years on and off. I got started in college to pay for student loans when there weren’t a lot of high-paying jobs in New York. … Most people in the industry that I encounter are paying for something.
Have you ever heard of strippers scamming clients, like in this week’s bust?
No, never. I think there’s this inherent distrust, where people believe there’s strippers who want all of your money, but that’s not true. I’ve never heard of that being common, by any stretch of the imagination.
But you’ll try to get clients to spend money?
Yes — encouraging guys to get dances, go to the private room, things like that increase your earnings. But we don’t encourage people to get drunk, ’cause no one wants a drunk client. They’re a lot more trouble than they’re worth — for the club, security and you.
Is it common for men to spend tens of thousands at strip clubs?
At a high-end club in New York City, spending tens and tens of thousands is not common, but like $10,000? I wouldn’t be shocked.
What’s the most you’ve made in one night?
About $2,300. It really depends, though.
Follow Anna Sanders on Twitter @AnnaESanders
