MGM Grand Denies Rumors Of Bruno Mars Owing Massive Casino Debt
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MGM Grand Resorts said Bruno Mars don’t owe them no money! On Monday (Mar. 18), MGM released a statement addressing rumors Mars accumulated a massive debt with the casino.
According to Complex, the gaming company released a statement refuting these murmurs. MGM detailed they were “proud” of their partnership with the Grammy award-winning artist. The company stated that their relationship was one based on “mutual respect.” I don’t know; these words don’t sound like a company looking to collect an egregious debt.
“We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers,” their statement read. “From his shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM to the new Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio, Bruno’s brand of entertainment attracts visitors from around the globe. MGM and Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect.
“Any speculation otherwise is completely false; he has no debt with MGM. Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
NewsNation first reported that Bruno had accumulated a $50 gambling debt at the Las Vegas establishment. The report stated that Mars, 38, had been enjoying his Vegas residency a bit too much. Multiple sources detailed that the musician “owes millions to the MGM (from gambling).”
“He makes $90 million a year off of the deal he did with the casino, but then he has to pay back his debt… after taxes (Mars makes $1.5 million per night),” the source said.
Bruno Mars originally inked a long-term residency contract with the resort in 2016. Additionally, the partnership saw Mars and MGM debut a new attraction and lounge, The Pinky Ring, inside the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. The Pinky Ring cocktail bar debuted during the 2024 Super Bowl weekend. The lounge features live performances curated by Bruno, himself.
“Bruno is among the most talented performers in the world and we are excited to start a long-term relationship with him across our industry-leading portfolio of entertainment venues,” Bill Hornbuckle, president of MGM Resorts International, said at the time. “There is no stronger launching pad for a new venue than for Bruno Mars to be among the first to grace its stage, and we get to do it twice, an amazing beginning to a multi-year partnership.”
And while the rumors of Mars owing his life to MGM Grand is (seemingly) untrue, he has previously gushed about gambling before. In 2013, the artist spoke to GQ about his love for the vice. He recalled and pined for the old days when he used to gamble in Los Angeles after being introduced to the lifestyle at 19.
“I used to be like a loudmouth. You know the guy, people would want to take his money. If you do get them to lose, they’re out for you, they’re gunning for you,” Mars said at the time. “And that’s when they’re weak. And that’s when you jump or pounce on them. I remember my first bet, my hand was shaking, and a guy called me out on it and embarrassed me. [But] you gotta lose. You just have to lose to win, to understand.”
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