NOBODY WANTS–“Whatever Happened to the 24K Magic?”: Bruno Mars Reportedly Deep in Debt as Singer’s Gambling Problem Turns into a Nightmare Despite $1.5M Income scream every night
Before Bruno Mars found fame in the music industry, he confessed to having a penchant for gambling. However, it seems that revisiting these old habits has caused him some trouble, as he reportedly owes $50 million to MGM.
Bruno Mars is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 130 million records sold worldwide. Surprisingly, he has achieved this feat with three solo albums and one collaborative album. Although he moved to Los Angeles in 2003, he did not gain recognition in the music industry until 2010 when his voice was featured in B.o.B.’s Nothin’ on You and Travie McCoy’s Billionaire.
Bruno Mars in 24k Magic music video
Mars won seven Grammy Awards with major categories like Album of the Year and Record of the Year for his third studio album, 24k Magic, released in 2016. His next collaborative album, An Evening with Silk Sonic, also won four Grammy Awards. All these wins prove his love for making music. Surprisingly, the musician also loves gambling, which has reportedly landed him in trouble.
Bruno Mars is Reportedly Drowning in Debt Due to Gambling
Bruno Mars in That’s What I Like music video
Before Bruno Mars rose to fame as a musician, he had gotten involved in gambling. In a 2013 interview with GQ, he recounted his early gambling days when he used to frequent Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. He also opened up about the first time he visited a casino at 19 years old, saying:
“I remember my first bet, my hand was shaking, and a guy called me out on it and embarrassed me. You gotta lose. You just have to lose to win, to understand.”
The singer announced a multi-year residency with MGM Resorts International in 2016, which requires him to perform at Park MGM Resort. According to recent reports, he is apparently enjoying the partnership a little too much for his own good.
The That’s What I Like singer seems to be back to his old habits. News Nation recently reported that the singer has racked up millions of debt at the poker tables at the hospitality giant. An insider told the outlet:
“He owes millions to the MGM (from gambling). His debts have gotten as high as $50 million. (MGM) basically own him.”
The source also claimed that the singer makes $90 million a year off the deal he has with the casino after taxes since he makes only $1.5 million per night. However, he has to pay the debt.
On the brighter side, Mars’ contract with MGM reportedly also included the creation of The Pinky Ring, a cocktail lounge inside the Bellagio Resort. The lounge debuted over the Super Bowl. News Nation has also reported that another project is in the works.
