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The "Uptown Funk" singer Bruno Mars seems to get a kick out of the rumors he owed significant gambling debts to at least one Vegas casino.
On Friday, Mars kicked off The Romantic Tour with a two-night gig at Allegiant Stadium and made mention of rumors floating around that he was forced to perform for a relatively long period of nine years at the Park MGM in Las Vegas where he enjoyed a residency.
“I’m debt-free. I paid the casino off a long time ago," he said in between sets during some on stage banter.
How the Bruno Mars Gambling Debt Rumors Got Started
Mars, whose real name is Peter Gene Hernandez, allegedly owed $50 million in gambling debts to MGM Casino.
Mars shot down these rumors last year and has since joked about them. MGM did too.
But all of that "non denial" from both sides led to further speculation.
From Vital Vegas:
"Sounds like we haven’t heard the last of Bruno Mars’ gambling saga at MGM Resorts. Mars has reportedly stopped gambling at MGM casinos due to a potential lawsuit against the company for “taking advantage of him” by repeatedly extending his credit leading to losses exceeding $100 million. MGM previously denied he had gambling debt with the company (the technical term is “ass covering”). Pinky Ring is presumably part of his arrangement to pay back losses, Mars is obligated to perform there, which we’re told he isn’t thrilled about. Rumors gonna rumor, but this is one to watch."
Mars has admitted to dabbling in gambling activities, mostly during his younger years playing poker and casino games.
- Jordan Bach, Gambling911.com
