Abstract: Methods and systems for operating one or more linked casino activities, and for distributing awards to two or more eligible participants of the one or more linked casino activities are disclosed. A method can include: establishing a jackpot for one or more linked casino activities; establishing a criterion for selecting one or more primary winners from the two or more eligible participants; selecting one or more primary winners using the established criterion; awarding a first portion of the jackpot to the one or more primary winners; and awarding the remainder of the jackpot to one or more eligible participants.

Abstract: An underlying game of Blackjack or a variant of Blackjack is played with an initial wager by a player on the underlying game and an optional wager on a side game can be made. The side wager is made before any cards are displayed. Specially marked cards with count values replace standard cards having the same count value and the side wager is paid on the appearance of the specially marked cards in the play of the game. The number of specially marked cards may vary over time.