Bruno Mars Allegedly Owes $50 Million In Gambling Debt
Bruno Mars is going to need some “24K Magic” to get him out of some crazy gambling debt. The singer-songwriter, who has an ongoing, long-term residency at the Park MGM in Las Vegas, has further made his connection with MGM even deeper with a reported debt he has with the casino and hotel.
In a new report by NewsNation, a source says the Grammy winner allegedly has racked up $50 million in gambling debt with MGM. He’s had a relationship with the casino and hotel for more than eight years. According to the publication’s source, they claimed, “They basically own him.” The source also alleges that Bruno is taking home $90 million a year from his current deal with MGM, but after taxes, he will only take home $1.5 million per night. Additionally, Bruno, 38, just launched a cocktail lounge called The Pinky Ring at another Vegas-based MGM property, the Bellagio.
Bruno’s Gambling History
Bruno has not been shy in the past about his taste for games. During an appearance on James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke, the “Treasure” singer talked about his love of poker. Before his musical career took off, he said he supported paying his rent by playing poker in Los Angeles.
In a blog post, one person claimed they used to play with him at Hollywood Park before he got famous. “He would often come in on a Friday or Saturday night after playing a gig. He was a decent enough laggy player, but I doubt he actually made any sort of living from it. Even back then he had a certain charisma and I’m not surprised that he is famous.” Another person recalled playing with him a “handful of times in 2009 at Commerce $5-$10. He was the type of guy that you would ‘rush’ to get a table change for. I also remember him usually losing a single $500 bullet and leaving. There was no way he was playing for profit.” A third said he was the “best player (aside from Greek Steve) I ever played against at Commerce. Incredibly balanced and impossible to play against if you can’t beat him at showdown. Lotta heart.”
In another blog post, one poker player recalled a night he played high-stakes poker with Mars. In a 16-hour game that went up to $30,000, Bruno lost in what became this poker player’s “most memorable poker hand ever.” He remembered as Bruno stood up to leave the table, he asked, “Do you mind [throwing] me a $10 chip for valet, so of course I did, and then he disappeared into the night.”
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With the allegations out, Mars’ 2013 interview with GQ has resurfaced. At the time, the singer reflected on how his love for gambling started back when he was 19 years old. “I used to be like a loudmouth,” he said. “If you do get them to lose, they’re out for you, they’re gunning for you. And that’s when they’re weak. And that’s when you jump or pounce on them.” Recalling his first major loss, he told the publication his hand was “shaking,” and a guy called him out on it and embarrassed him.
Bruno Mars has not addressed the gambling debt claim at the time of our publication.
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