MGM Denies Bruno Mars Rumour Of $83 Million Gambling Debt
Last weekend, rumours emerged about singer Bruno Mars having a gambling debt of $50 million (NZ$ 83 million) with MGM Resorts. On Monday, MGM Resorts was prompt to deny the gambling debt, releasing an official statement about the rumours. Gossip reporter Paula Froelich of the American NewsNation came out last weekend with the story that Bruno Mars is alleged to have a massive gambling debt. The allegations quickly went viral.
MGM and Bruno Mars have been working together since 2016, with the Hawaii born singer seeing him perform at several MGM venues like Park Theater At Monte Carlo in Las Vegas and MGM National Harbor Casino in Maryland. The long term deal between the gaming operator and the American singer-songwriter, has been in place since 2016, annually paying out the singer NZ$148 million ($90 million).
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“MGM Owning Bruno Mars”
One of the stories claimed that MGM Resorts “owns” the 38-year-old singer, known for world famous songs such as “Up Town Funk 2.0”, “Locked Out Of Heaven”, and “That’s What I Like”. Bruno Mars and MGM have been working together since 2016, with the singer regularly performing in the gambling company’s casinos and hotels. As such, Mars is believed to make 148 million per year, with $99 million left after taxes. According to Froelich, Bruno Mars “will need to use his earnings to pay off his gambling debt with MGM Resorts”.
Rumours about his gambling debt stand in stark contrast with previous news reports. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pop star showed his generous side towards MGM Resorts, donating a total of $1,66 million to the gambling company’s employee relief fund. At the time, thousands of employees found themselves without work due to the closure of hotels and casinos. The money helped employees pay their mortgage, rent or medical bills.
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Denials By Insider & MGM Resorts
The X (formerly known as Twitter) account “LasVegasLocally” has tweeted about the rumours which quickly went viral. The account, which is known to closely follow everything happening in Las Vegas and is believed to be well informed, has contradicted the stories. According to the account Bruno Mars has “definitely not spent 83 million dollars at MGM or any other casino”. On Monday, an MGM Resorts spokesperson told the tabloid news organisation TMZ that the singer does not have “anything such as a 83 million dollar gambling debt”. In their official statement MGM Resorts adds:
“We are proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic artists. From his shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM to the new Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio Casino, Bruno’s entertainment draws visitors from all over the world. MGM and Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect. Any speculation that implies the contrary is completely incorrect; he has no debt to MGM. Together we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Statement MGM Resorts about alleged gambling debt of Bruno Mars
Representatives for Bruno Mars have declined to comment and directed journalists to MGM’s official statement.
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