The Hidden Risks of Gambling: Lessons from Bruno Mars and Others

As convenient as it might be for us at Maple Casino to downplay the potential harms of gambling, we’re the first to acknowledge how serious they can be. The fact is problem gambling impacts individuals of all ages, genders, and income levels.

So, what can celebrity gambling stories teach us? Keep reading to see how fame and isolation contribute to problem gambling and learn some valuable lessons from these experiences.

High-profile stories of celebrities losing millions grab our attention, but they also highlight broader gambling issues such as addiction. These stories remind us that gambling can be a deeply personal matter, and separating fact from fiction in the often-predatory celebrity news cycle isn’t easy.

Here’s a thought: perhaps knowing the whole truth matters less than the valuable lessons we can learn from those in the limelight. After all, whether rich or poor, famous or unknown, gambling psychology is universal, and these stories carry insights for all of us, if we care to lean-in and listen.

In March 2024, NewsNation reported that Bruno Mars had a $50 million gambling debt at the Park MGM casino in Las Vegas. However, MGM denied the claims, calling them “completely false”. Mars also swatted away these claims with fans praising his unbothered attitude as the suave musician poked fun at his rumoured gambling debt. Mars himself even shared a few fan-made videos joking about these claims to his Instagram story showing how little he cared for the speculation.

One thing for sure is that Mars and MGM have a long-standing partnership which includes residencies at their casinos and a cocktail bar at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. We also know the fedora-wearing muso has a long history with gambling dating back to his teenage years.

Mars talked in a 2013 GQ interview about frequenting the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, long before he found fame. He reflected on how his first gambling loss left him embarrassed and $100 out of pocket—money he couldn’t afford to lose at the time.

This experience shaped his perspective, teaching him the importance of resilience and learning from failure:

While it’s unlikely Bruno Mars will be washing dishes in Vegas to pay off any rumoured debt, problem gambling among celebrities is undoubtedly an issue worth talking about. Players from all walks of life can find themselves in trouble with gambling, but it’s usually celebrity gambling stories that bubble up to the surface.

The takeaway? Set boundaries for yourself to gamble responsibly, rather than learning your limits the hard way—and falling into debt or a cycle of addiction that becomes harder to escape.

There’s no question that the stresses of fame can dial up the appeal of high-stakes gambling for some celebrities. Wealth, public scrutiny, and a desire for escape often create the perfect storm, leaving vulnerable individuals susceptible to poor decisions and bankroll management.

Other stars who have faced serious gambling problems

Pamela Anderson
Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon turned their 17-year friendship romantic during a poker game where the Baywatch babe racked up a $250,000 debt to him. Salomon offered to forgive the debt in exchange for a kiss, sparking a whirlwind romance which led to their October 2007 marriage. The couple separated, remarried in January 2014, and divorced again in April 2015.

Ben Affleck
The actor, director, and screenwriter started gambling in his early 20s and lost an estimated $100,000 by his own accounts. In 2001, he sought treatment for his gambling addiction and alcoholism.

Affleck famously made headlines after the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas banned him from playing blackjack for card counting. Despite his challenges with gambling, he eventually overcame his addiction to have a successful career in Hollywood. Nice one, Ben!

Tiger Woods

The professional golfer gained international fame for his remarkable achievements in the sport. His gambling issues surfaced in the early 2000s, leading to financial, marital, and legal complications.

At the height of his gambling woes, he admitted to be losing around $1 million every week on a regular basis. Woods then went into rehabilitation in July 2017 for a wide range of personal issues, but there have still been reports circulating of him gambling, including playing blackjack for $25,000 per hand.

Gladys Knight

The troubles for lead singer of the R&B group Gladys Knight and the Pips began with blackjack after winning a large sum of money at a casino. Knight lost as much as $60,000 in one night playing baccarat and borrowed money from friends and family to cover debts.

The addiction even caused her to miss her daughter’s wedding day. The charismatic frontwoman has been in recovery since 2001 and started speaking out about her addiction to help others.

We can glean valuable responsible gambling tips inspired by the experiences of these celebrities who’ve faced the highs and lows first-hand.

1. Don’t use gambling as an escape

Charlie Sheen reportedly gambled excessively during stressful periods of his life, contributing to severe financial and emotional difficulties. Using gambling as a coping mechanism for personal issues can lead to destructive habits that leave you worse off in the long term.

Tip: Instead, find healthier ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or therapy.

2. Know when to walk away

Legendary basketball player Charles Barkley admitted to gambling away $10 million, often chasing his losses in hopes of recouping them. Barkley once said, “I didn’t stop gambling because I lost money. I stopped because I lost time.” His experience reminds us that doubling down after losing can lead to even bigger gambling problems.

Tip: When you reach your pre-set gambling limit, stop playing—don’t try to win it back, as the chances are that won’t happen.

3. Set realistic expectations

Actor Ben Affleck, known for his competitive nature, has spoken about how his love for poker led to heavy losses. He was only able to take control of his gambling after acknowledging that he needed to learn when to stop playing and set realistic expectations about the outcomes.

Tip: Understand that gambling is a game of chance, and there are no guarantees of winning. Play for entertainment, not as a way to make money.

The onus is ultimately on players to manage their gambling responsibly, but the best online casinos in Canada offer limits and restrictions which make safer play more accessible. By providing tools such as deposit limits, loss limits and self-exclusion, they help create a healthier gambling environment and a better overall experience for players.

These cautionary tales from gamblers who went too far, offer valuable lessons on the importance of setting boundaries and knowing your limits. While problem gambling is a reality for some, it’s reassuring to know that with the right tools and support, you can play online safely and within your means.