Bruno Mars may have laughed off the rumors, but fans can’t stop talking about them. Earlier this year, reports claimed the singer had racked up a serious a serious gambling debt to MGM Resorts during his Las Vegas residency, worth approximately $60 million.Though Mars has denied the claim, it continues to follow him.
The story originated from a NewsNation report alleging MGM “basically owned” Mars after years of high-stakes gaming at the company’s casinos. The source claimed Mars was using his residency at Park MGM to pay off the supposed debt. MGM quickly issued a statement calling the story “completely false,” praising its “mutual respect” and long-term partnership with the star. Still, the numbers raised eyebrows.
A $60 million debt would be enough to wipe out the fortune of most entertainers. For perspective, Bruno’s net worth is estimated at around $175 million, thanks to his hit records, songwriting royalties, touring success, and brand partnerships. He’s also one of the highest-paid live performers in the world, reportedly earning $1–$3 million per private performance. He’s pulled in more than $90 million annually from his residency alone.
Although the rumors don’t add up financially, fans have speculated that his constant return to Las Vegas (he’s extended his Park MGM residency multiple times since 2021) may be more than just love for the stage.
The theory isn’t new; Elvis Presley famously had an extended residency at the International Hotel in the 1970s under similar financial pressure, reportedly tied to gambling and manager disputes. For some, history may just be repeating itself, though this time, with sequins and silk instead of jumpsuits.
Bruno, for his part, seems unbothered. He first joked about the rumor in January, telling fans, “Keep streaming — I’ll be out of debt in no time!” and again this summer after performing with BLACKPINK’s Rosé, writing on Instagram, “Almost out of debt, behhh behhh!” while running across the stage.
Despite the controversy, Mars remains one of the most bankable names in music. Most recently, he performed at Kris Jenner’s lavish 70th birthday, an event estimated to have cost well over a million dollars. If Mars truly was in debt, he’s clearly making light work of it.