UPDATED 3/18/24, 3:47 p.m. ET: MGM Resorts International has denied allegations that Bruno Mars is in debt with the global hospitality and entertainment company.
"Weâre proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the worldâs most thrilling and dynamic performers," MGM wrote in a statement provided to Complex. "From his shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM to the new Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio, Brunoâs brand of entertainment attracts visitors from around the globe. MGM and Bruno's partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect."
The statement continues: "Any speculation otherwise is completely false; he has no debt with MGM. Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests."
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Bruno Mars might be in some hot water with MGM.
The â24K Magicâ singer announced a multi-year residency with MGM Resorts International in 2016, performing at the hospitality giantâs Park MGM resort in Las Vegas.
However, the relationship between the 38-year-old and the hospitality giant may have gone sour as the singerâs gambling has allegedly racked up large debts at the poker tables in Las Vegas, according to NewsNation.
âHe owed millions to the MGM,â a Vegas insider told the outlet.
Another source added that the debt is as high as $50 million.
â[MGM] basically own him. He makes $90 million a year off of the deal he did with the casino, but then he has to pay back his debt,â added the insider, claiming that the singer only makes $1.5 million per night after taxes.
Part of Marsâ MGM contract reportedly included the creation of The Pinky Ring, a cocktail lounge inside the Bellagio Resort. NewsNation reports that another project is in the works as well.
In a 2013 interview with GQâs Chris Heath, Mars reminisced about his early days of gambling when he frequented the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, long before he became famous.
"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,â Mars said at the time. âAnd that's when they're weak. And that's when you jump or pounce on them.â
In the interview Mars also opened up about the first time he visited a casino when he was 19-years-old.
"I remember my first bet, my hand was shaking, and a guy called me out on it and embarrassed me,â he said, admitting he lost a hundred dollars he couldnât afford to lose. "You gotta lose. You just have to lose to win, to understand."
During his Carpool Karaoke episode for the Late Late Show with James Corden in 2016, Mars briefly revealed that he was able to make rent while living in L.A. by playing cards âfor a little while.â You can catch this moment at the 13 minute mark here.