Bruno Mars is reportedly facing financial issues with MGM Resorts International, a hotel and casino chain, due to a gambling debt of around 50 million dollars, as reported by the Consequence website.
Recently, the singer is in his ninth year of residency at the Park MGM in Las Vegas, where he expanded with 12 shows throughout 2024.
“Basically, (MGM) owns him. He earns $90 million a year from the deal he made with the casino, but then he has to pay off his debt,” said a source close to the singer, who earns $1.5 million per concert after taxes.
As part of his agreement, the artist also participated in the creation of The Pinky Ring, a cocktail bar within the Bellagio resort. It is currently unknown how this negotiation is affected by the singer’s current debt.
In a 2013 interview, Bruno Mars recalled his early days in the gambling world, long before achieving worldwide fame. He explained that due to his arrogant attitude, he used to be a target for other players.
“I used to be a hotshot. You know the type, people want to take your money. If you get them to lose, they come after you, they gun for you. And that’s when they’re weak. And that’s when you pounce or jump on them,” Mars shared about his technique at the poker table.
He also recounted how, at 19 years old, the pressure to gamble for the first time led him to lose $100 for the first time.
“I remember my first bet, my hand was shaking, and a guy called me out and embarrassed me. You have to lose. You have to lose, to win, to understand.”
This story was written in Spanish by Daniel Matute.
