Bruno Mars and Las Vegas: those US$50 million debt rumours turned out to be false, per MGM – but the singer seems to love Sin City, from his Park MGM millions to opening The Pinky Ring bar there

Mar 25 , 2024

Bruno Mars at the launch of his bar The Pinky Ring in Las Vegas, in February. Photo: @brunomars/Instagram

Earlier this month, “Uptown Funk” and “Grenade” hitmaker Bruno Mars found himself the subject of rumours claiming that he not only had a gambling problem, but had also amassed massive debt amounting to an estimated US$50 million.

But MGM Resorts International (MGM), the company he allegedly owed the money to, has slammed the claims, while at the same time solidifying their long partnership with the musician.

Here is how it all went down.

Bruno Mars’ rumoured MGM debt drama

Bruno Mars, wearing one of his made-to-measure Giorgio Armani suits in 2022. Photo: @brunomars/Instagram

MGM pooh-poohed reports that Mars, 38, was in debt. According to Billboard, the entertainment company said that its relationship with the musician “is long-standing and rooted in mutual respect.” Back in 2016, Mars announced a long-term deal with MGM, which resulted in his Vegas residency at the Park MGM.

In mid-March, TV network NewsNation published a report claiming that Mars was in US$50 million debt with the company. The story went viral, sparking concern for the beloved musician. In the report, a source was quoted as saying, “MGM basically own him,” because of the debt he had allegedly racked up.

Recently beleaguered, internationally known singer-songwriter and musician, Bruno Mars, posing with legendary US electric guitar maker Fender’s limited-edition Bruno Mars Stratocaster, in November 2023. Photo: @brunomars/Instagram

Old videos of Mars then resurfaced, in which he said he used to play poker to pay the bills, which only added fuel to the fire. These clips were from a “Carpool Karaoke” scene with US chat-show host James Corden seven years ago.

But MGM’s statement clearly explains its partnership with Mars, adding, “Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

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His Vegas connection

Bruno Mars snapped partying in his new cocktail and jazz lounge The Pinky Ring, which opened Las Vegas, in February 2024. Photo: @thepinkyring/Instagram

Mars and MGM’s partnership has been well documented. His residency, which was supposed to end in August 2023, was extended until September 2024, per Vulture.

Additionally, Mars just opened The Pinky Ring cocktail bar in collaboration with MGM hotel and casino, the Bellagio, in February. According to Las Vegas Weekly, the venue even has some of the singer’s Grammy awards on display and Mars’ touch “can be traced all over this penthouse-style party pad”.

His moneymaking music career

Anderson .Paak (left) visits Bruno Mars at The Pinky Ring. Photo: @thepinkyring/Instagram

The title of Mars’ 2016 album 24k Magic was apparently well chosen. With his estimated net worth of US$175 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, there’s no denying that he knows how to make money. He spent much of the following two years touring as part of his sold-out 24k Magic World Tour, which reportedly earned him more than US$237 million, reported Forbes.

Meanwhile, the 2021 album An Evening with Silk Sonic, created in collaboration with singer and rapper Anderson .Paak, won four Grammy awards including best R&B song, song of the year, record of the year and best R&B performance.

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In 2021, Billboard reported that Mars was only the second to make over US$50 million from a Park MGM residency. Lady Gaga’s Enigma residency made US$53.9 million, making it the highest earning residency ever.

He wanted to be a performer since he was young

Bruno Mars wowing crowds in January 2023. Photo: @brunomars/Instagram

Mars told talk-show host Corden in his 2016 “Carpool Karaoke” video interview feature that he knew he wanted to be a performer when he was doing Elvis Presley impersonations at four years old. According to Billboard, his career kicked off when he started writing songs for big names including Flo Rida, Cee-Lo Green and Snoop Dogg.

It was his upbringing in Hawaii that encouraged him to open a bar, the SelvaRey Rum Bar at the Fairmont Orchid. “I grew up in Hawaii, and I’ve been performing in O’ahu my whole life,” he told People magazine. “As a young kid, you see all this joy, and when I’m performing on stage, everybody’s got a beautiful cocktail in their hand. The name of the bar is based on SelvaRey, a rum brand launched in 2014 co-owned by the musician.

Fame and celebrity

NewsNation dropped a ‘Grenade’ in the music world with its viral report claiming the pop star was US$50 million in debt to MGM – old videos of Mars talking about gambling to James Corden didn’t help
But MGM debunked the rumours, emphasising its long, respectful partnership with Mars – the Grammy winner was the second after Lady Gaga to make over US$50 million from a Park MGM residency