In a ruling that could prove costly for Nevada strip clubs, the state Supreme Court decided that dancers at one Las Vegas club are employees, not independent contractors, and are entitled to be paid minimum wage.

The unanimous ruling Thursday was issued in a class-action lawsuit filed in 2009 on behalf of dancers at Sapphire Gentlemen's Club.

It sends the case back to Clark County District Court for hearings to determine how much more than 6,600 current and former dancers at the club are owed.

Attorney Mick Rusing represented plaintiffs in the case.

He says the amount could reach $40 million, including back wages, plus the return of "house fees" the dancers paid the club to be allowed to work.

Attorneys who represented Sapphire didn't immediately respond to messages.