Abstract: Disclosed is a progressive system for paying out a primary progressive prize and a secondary progressive prize. The system includes a progressive controller, a plurality of game devices each configured to execute a game of chance and a network interconnecting the progressive controller and the game devices. A funding module is executable by the progressive controller to maintain primary and secondary award pools. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the game devices may award shares of the secondary progressive pool to players. When the primary progressive is triggered, share holders may redeem their shares for a value determined by the system. In some embodiments, winners of shares may monitor the value of their pending certificates through various outlets such as social media sites.

Abstract: A method for distributing software licenses for authorizing the installation of gaming software, by a user, onto a gaming machine is provided. The software installation process is initiated and an electronic key containing an encrypted license count interfaces with the gaming machine. The encrypted license count represents the number of licenses available for authorizing the installation of a particular gaming software. The encrypted license count is accessed and it is determined whether installation is permitted. Additionally a processing means for accessing a remote server, via a network connection, and increasing the licensing count stored in the electronic key is provided.