Patent ID: 8622817

Claim:
A multi-mode gaming terminal comprising: a wager input device; a primary display for displaying a primary wagering game; and at least one controller operative to: receive, via the wagering input device, an input indicative of a wager to initiate a play of the primary wagering game; detect a selection between a cash mode of operation and a tournament mode of operation; if the cash mode is selected, initiate a play of the primary wagering game configured with a first payback return of the wager; if the tournament mode is selected, initiate a play of the primary wagering game configured with a second payback return of the wager and a tournament return of the wager, wherein, on each tournament-mode play of the primary wagering game resulting in a winning outcome, a predetermined number of tournament points are awarded and added to a tournament entry; upon the occurrence of a triggering event, enter the tournament entry into at least one tournament; and receive a determination based on the tournament entry whether a tournament award should be awarded.