Bruno Mars has reportedly suffered a whopping $50 million in gambling losses with MGM Resorts, though there are conflicting reports as to whether the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter is actually in debt to the gaming giant.
Bruno Mars has been a fixture in Las Vegas ever since his first residency back in 2013. It may be more than the bright lights and sellout crowds, however, that keep the entertainer coming back for more.
According to an unnamed NewsNation source, Mars “owes millions to the MGM (from gambling). (MGM) basically own him.”
MGM Resorts International denied the report Monday, telling FOX5 Las Vegas: "He has no debt with MGM."
That may be a matter of semantics, however, as the singer clearly has resources to cover any gambling losses. Mars will make roughly $1.5 million per night during his upcoming residency at Park MGM. Silk Sonic, a duo featuring Mars and Anderson Paak, is also performing at Park MGM this year. Mars recently opened a lounge, The Pinky Ring, at MGM’s Bellagio property. And there are rumors of another Mars-themed project pending with MGM.
Not the First…
Las Vegas has always been known for its ability to attract top entertainment. From Liberace and the Rat Pack to Adele and U2, Vegas residencies are popular with performers for several reasons. Spending a couple of months in Sin City cuts down on the wear and tear of touring. Entertainers can always count on a full house and the accommodations are stunning.
For most entertainers, the casinos are incidental. But for a few, they can be the draw. It sounds like Mars was one of those few. But his residency isn’t the only one that’s been associated with gambling – or gambling debts.
Celine Dion had a Las Vegas residency for years. And no, the Canadian songstress wasn’t shooting dice on her nights off. But her late husband, René Angélil was frequently seen in Las Vegas casinos and poker rooms.
The rumors about Angélil’s gambling debts were so persistent, he let Caesars release his gambling results for 2005 and 2006. In that time, he lost $230,300 in the casinos – but reportedly won $259,000 playing poker tournaments.
