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MGM Resorts has denied widely circulating reports over the weekend that one of its headlining acts, Bruno Mars, owes the casino giant $50 million in gambling debts.
Bruno Mars, whose real name is Peter Gene Hernandez, has been performing in concert at the MGM so many speculated any significant debt could be offset.
“(MGM) basically own him,” a Vegas insider told NewsNationNow.
MGM Resorts International said in a statement, per Variety and Entertainment Tonight, “We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers. 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,” the statement continued. “Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
When the story hit the Web over the weekend, there was some confusion over whether Mars alleged gambling debt (now apparently all untrue) came from playing blackjack or poker. It is well known that Mars once supported himself playing poker prior to hitting it big on the music scene.
High stake poker player Brad Wilson once wrote about his run in with Mars at the poker tables.
"Years back at the Commerce Casino I tangled with pop legend Bruno Mars in a massive, massive pot after about 16 hours of play. I recently talked about the most memorable poker hand I’ve ever played, which was against Bruno, on YouTube."
- Jordan Bach, Gambling911.com
