Bruno Mars Jokes About Gambling Debt After Breaking Spotify Record

Bruno Mars may not have any gambling debts — but he does have jokes.

The Grammy winner, 39, made a joke about his rumored financial problems while celebrating a new career milestone on Tuesday, January 28.

“KEEP STREAMING! I’ll be out of debt in no time,” Mars wrote via his Instagram Story alongside a post announcing that he recently became the first artist in Spotify history to reach 150 million monthly listeners.

The post, which also included a dancing man emoji, was soundtracked by Silk Sonic’s “777,” which features lyrics like, “I’m ’bout to buy Las Vegas after this roll.”

Mars was referencing the persistent rumor that he is in severe gambling debt to MGM, the company that hosts his Vegas residencies. Last year, a report claimed that Mars owed $50 million to the corporation and was continuing to play Vegas shows in order to work off his debts. MGM, however, vehemently denied the rumor.

“We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers,” a spokesperson from MGM Grand said in a statement at the time. “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.”

The rep continued: “MGM and Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect. Any speculation otherwise is completely false; he has no debt with MGM. Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

Mars, meanwhile, quipped about the speculation during one of his shows. “Ever since those articles came out about me owing the casino money you stopped picking up my calls,” he joked while speaking into a prop phone in September 2024. “It’s me, baby — I got money.”

One month prior, Mars teased that he didn’t want to outright deny the rumors because he likes the extra cachet it gives him.

“I love the lore that I am a Las Vegas lounge singer in debt to the mob,” he told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in June 2024. “I can work with that.”

Mars recently announced a new string of dates at the Park MGM kicking off on May 21 and running through June 2. He also just released “Fat Juicy & Wet,” a raunchy collaboration with rapper Sexxy Red. He currently holds the No. 1 and No. 3 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks to “Die With a Smile” with Lady Gaga and “APT.” with Blackpink’s Rosé, respectively.