Patent ID: 8118665

Claim:
A computer-implemented method in a gaming system, the method comprising: conducting, by one or more processors, a basic wagering game at one of a plurality of gaming terminals configured to receive wager inputs from a player to play a video casino game during a gaming session at the gaming terminal; conducting, by the one or more processors, a secondary progressive game triggered by the basic wagering game, the secondary progressive game being distinct from the basic wagering game and having a progressive-winning outcome; in response to an event other than the player achieving the progressive-winning outcome during the secondary progressive game, allowing, by the one or more processors, the player to become eligible for a special award during the gaming session; identifying, by the one or more processors, the player who is playing for the special award during the gaming session, the player not receiving the special award during the gaming session; concluding the gaming session at the gaming terminal; allowing, by the one or more processors, the special award to accumulate for a time period after the player has concluded the gaming session and left the gaming terminal; and awarding, by the one or more processors, the special award to the player at the end of the time period regardless of the player making additional wager inputs.