Bruno Mars is once again extending his Las Vegas residency and there is nothing suspicious about it.
The 24K Magic singer, who is absolutely not constantly performing at the Park MGM’s Dolby Live theater to pay off an alleged multi-million gambling debt to MGM Resorts, announced nine new performances set for August (22, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31) and September (3, 5, 6).
Mars, who began his residency at the Park MGM in 2016, has played more than 100 shows in the past nine years.
Last March, NewsNation reported that the singer may have racked up massive gambling debt at MGM’s poker tables, citing unnamed sources who claimed he owed as much as $50 million.
One insider alleged, “[MGM] basically own him. He makes $90 million a year off of the deal he did with the casino, but then he has to pay back his debt,” while suggesting Mars nets only $1.5 million per night after taxes.
MGM Resorts International denied the claims shortly after the reports made headlines.
“We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers,” wrote MGM in a statement provided to Complex. “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.”
The statement continued, “Any speculation otherwise is completely false; he has no debt with MGM. Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Months later, Mars joked about the bogus rumors in an interview with John Katsilometes of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, saying, “I love the lore that I am a Las Vegas lounge singer in debt to the mob. I can work with that.”
Tickets for Mars’ new Vegas shows will go on pre-sale on Thursday, May 1, at 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster. A general public sale will be held Friday, May 2.
