Published on: April 13, 2026, 11:26 AM.

Updated on: April 14, 2026, 03:56 AM.

• Bruno Mars humorously addressed persistent gambling debt claims during his tour launch in Las Vegas.
• On stage with Anderson .Paak, he jokingly declared that he’s finally ‘debt-free’.
• Despite earlier claims of significant losses, MGM Resorts has previously denied any outstanding debts.

At the start of his ‘Romantic’ tour on April 10 in Las Vegas, pop icon Bruno Mars finally tackled the ongoing speculation regarding his gambling debt to MGM Resorts while performing live.

The ’24K Magic’ artist has been a major contributor to MGM’s entertainment revenue since he began performing at Park MGM in 2016.

However, a rumor that has persisted for over seven years suggests he is also a significant source of gambling income for the company.

On Friday at Allegiant Stadium, Mars engaged in what seemed to be a well-rehearsed exchange regarding the rumor with his Silk Sonic collaborator Anderson .Paak, which was shared by a fan on Instagram.

“I hate to bring this back to me, but when I reflect on the amount of debt — I mean how many steps — it took to get here, it makes me emotional,” Paak told the audience.

Mars responded: “Andy, I’m sorry to hear that. But I’m debt-free! I cleared my dues with the casino a long time ago!”

Pinky Ring, Meet Pawn Stars

On May 19, 2019, Casino.org’s own Vital Vegas initially reported the rumors about Mars’ supposed debt, tweeting: “Rumor has it that he’s accumulated $7 million in losses at MGM Resorts casinos. If accurate, his Park Theater performances are basically settling gambling debts. High rollers can experience million-dollar swings regularly.”

A March 2024 article from NewsNation reinforced the claim, citing an unnamed source who asserted that Mars had accrued $50 million in unpaid debts, suggesting that MGM Resorts “essentially owns” him.

His preferred games were rumored to be blackjack, baccarat, and slots, although he mentioned earning rent in L.A. by playing poker during a 2016 “Carpool Karaoke” segment on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Speculation has arisen that his commitment to perform at Bellagio’s Pinky Ring nightclub might have been part of a strategy to repay his losses.

MGM’s Statement

In March 2024, MGM Resorts released a statement refuting any claims of debt associated with Mars.

“MGM and Bruno have a long-standing partnership built on mutual respect. Any assertions to the contrary are entirely unfounded; he does not owe MGM anything,” the statement read.

However, as noted by Vital Vegas, that claim may have been somewhat misleading.

“Take note of MGM’s wording,” Vital Vegas tweeted. “If Mars has a contract worth $90 million and loses $50 million gambling, technically, he doesn’t ‘owe’ anything. Additionally, $50 million isn’t a big deal for him; he can manage it.”

Jokes About Gambling Debt Are Not New for Mars

While his tour launch was the first occasion Mars spoke about his debt in front of a live audience, he has humorously referenced it twice on social media previously.

In January 2025, Mars shared Spotify’s announcement that he became the first artist to reach 150 million monthly listeners, adding a note that read: “Keep streaming! I’ll be out of debt in no time!”

Furthermore, in a July 2025 Instagram update, he stated, “Almost out of debt BehhhhhBehhhhh!!!”