Bruno Mars breaks silence on THAT $50 million gambling debt rumor
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Bruno Mars made a reference to a past rumor that he has a $50 million gambling debt with MGM Resorts in an Instagram Stories post Tuesday celebrating his success on Spotify.
The Grammy-winning artist, 39, reposted an announcement from the streaming service that he was the first-ever performer to garner a monthly total of at least 150 million listeners.
'KEEP STREAMING,' the Honolulu, Hawaii-born performer, whose full name is Peter Gene Hernandez, wrote on the post, which was accompanied by a dancing emoji. 'I’ll be out of debt in no time.'
The Locked Out of Heaven vocalist spoke about his impressive streaming totals Tuesday as he inked an extension with MGM to play seven additional shows in his residency later this year in Las Vegas, Billboard reported.
The When I Was Your Man crooner slated the seven new shows for May 21, 24, 25, 28, 30 and 31, as well as June 2, with tickets going on sale via a Live Nation presale Thursday via Ticketmaster (code OCTAVE); and to the public on Friday.
Mars alluded to the rumors of a gambling debt last summer when he reposted a viral social media clip of Seattle-based influencer Kaeli Dance dancing.
Bruno Mars, 39, made a reference to a past rumor that he has a $50 million gambling debt with MGM Resorts. Pictured in Las Vegas April 3, 2022
Mars addressed the debt in an Instagram Stories post Tuesday celebrating his Spotify success
The caption referenced the singer's alleged balance with the casino ahead of the August 2024 release of his hit duet with Lady Gaga, Die With A Smile, reading, 'Lady Gaga on her way to get Bruno Mars out of debt.'
Mars had had a recent hot streak on the charts, as Die With a Smile has spent four weeks in the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, while a duet with BLACKPINK's ROSÉ, titled APT., surged to the third spot on the chart more than four months after its release.
APT. has spent 13 weeks on top of Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Chart, and earlier this month marked the first time a K-pop artist has had a number one track on the Billboard Pop Airplay Chart, the outlet reported.
In addition to those collaborations, Mars also has a new track out with Sexyy Red titled Fat, Juicy and Wet, with Lady Gaga and ROSÉ making cameos in the music video.
Talks of Mars having a massive debt came in a March 14, 2024 News Nation story titled 'Bruno Mars needs to lay off the slots: Source,' which alleged details of his financial issues with MGM Resorts International.
A Las Vegas-based source told the outlet of the Locked Out of Heaven vocalist: 'He owes millions to the MGM [from gambling]' and that 'his debts have gotten as high as $50 million.'
The source summed up the situation involving Mars, who has a continuing residency at Park MGM Las Vegas, MGM 'basically own him.'
The When I Was Your Man crooner '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,' the source told NewsNation.
Mars has had a hot streak on the charts with the collaborations Die With a Smile and APT.
Mars alluded to the rumors of a gambling debt last summer when he reposted a viral social media clip of Seattle-based influencer Kaeli Dance dancing
![A Las Vegas source said the Locked Out of Heaven vocalist 'owes millions to the MGM [from gambling]' and that 'his debts have gotten as high as $50 million'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/19/94620193-14336061-A_Las_Vegas_source_said_the_Locked_Out_of_Heaven_vocalist_owes_m-a-116_1738179222033.jpg)
A Las Vegas source said the Locked Out of Heaven vocalist 'owes millions to the MGM [from gambling]' and that 'his debts have gotten as high as $50 million'
The source estimated that 'Mars makes $1.5 million per night' as result of a long-term pact he inked with the organization in 2016.
An MGM Resorts International subsequently told TMZ days later, on March 18, that Mars 'doesn't have a $50 million gambling tab on the books with them.'
The casino rep said, 'We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers.
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.'
According to the casino rep, 'MGM and Bruno's partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect.
An MGM Resorts International rep last year said Mars 'doesn't have a $50 million gambling tab on the books with them'
'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 reported that MGM had been 'doubling down on Mars' with a lounge at the Bellagio hotel-casino titled The Pinky Ring.
A description for the venue made it appear to be a hip, contemporary landing spot for those looking for an up-tempo time in Sin City.
'Feel the magic in its seductive party vibe, featuring a curated collection of premium cocktails, and live entertainment by some of today’s most talented musicians and DJs,' the description read.
It continued: 'Inspired by iconic Vegas glamour with the magnetic energy of a modern luxury lounge—one sip and you know this is going to be the night of all nights.'
