UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) – from www.wktv.com- In these tough economic times, there are some so-called “recession proof” industries, including gambling and drinking. But one industry that many would think of as recession-proof, apparently is struggling as of late. And that, is the adult entertainment industry.

Head of Hustler magazine, Larry Flynt, along with the owner of Girls Gone Wild videos recently requested $5 billion in bailout money from Congress. According to an MSNBC article, The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation estimates that in an average year the adult entertainment industry – which has its headquarters in Southern California – registers total sales of over $12 billion a year.

However, sales are down as of late. According to a report filed XBIZ Research, the economy has hit this so called “recession-proof industry.” Some reasons include more online pornography content, which then causes fewer DVD sales.

Ralph Cavo, the owner of Teasers in Utica, says that in the past year, his business has seen a of 20-25%.

“People just don’t have the extra money to spend on the entertainment,” Cavo said. “I don’t know, it’s kind of gloomy right now. Hopefully things will start picking up.”

So the industry as a whole is down, but what about those who provide the entertainment, in this case the dancers? “They get by mostly on tips, their income is a lot less than it was two or three years ago.” Cavo said.

Cavo says he has heard stories of one time high-profile business women who are now out of a job because of the economy, looking to dance.

He says his dancers, when there is a full house, make out quite well, and that there are often new faces coming around asking for jobs.

“You get college girls looking for part time work,” he said. “It’s a fast way to make some money.”