Plenty of celebrities enjoy some time gambling at casinos – from Charles Barkely, Dennis Rodman, and Michael Jordan to 50 Cent, Jennifer Tilly, and Brad Garrett. Ben Affleck was allegedly once even kicked out of the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas for counting cards at the blackjack table.
One major name made some headlines in recent days for some heavy losses as well – a charge that the casino company denies. Rumors began to swirl last week that Grammy-winning singer Bruno Mars was in debt to the tune of $40 million after a bad run at the tables at MGM casinos.
Mars has a residency with the company and regularly performs at the Park MGM on the Strip. NewsNation reported that the singer has also seen debts as high as $50 million with the company.
“He owes millions to the MGM (from gambling),” a source told the outlet. “(MGM) basically owns 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 … after taxes.”
However that report was thrown into doubt after MGM came to Mars’ defense earlier this week. The company denied that Mars has any debt at all with the company.
“We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers,” the company noted in a statement to Variety. “From his shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM to the new Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio, Bruno’s brand of entertainment attracts visitors from around the globe. MGM and Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect. Any speculation otherwise is completely false; he has no debt with MGM. Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Mars hasn;t commented on the allegations, and his next show at Park MGM is scheduled for June 7.
