Abstract: A method of operating a progressive wagering game comprises conducting multiple sessions of a wagering game at a gaming terminal by receiving wagers from first and second players and providing access to a restricted-access progressive game to only the first player. The progressive game has a progressive jackpot funded by a portion of the first player's wagers. Alternatively stated, the method includes denying access to the progressive game to the second player such that only the first player is eligible to win the jackpot. Further, the restricted-access progressive game may comprise conducting, at a gaming terminal, a first set of sessions of a wagering game with a first group of players, and a second set of sessions of a wagering game with a second group of players. A first progressive jackpot is eligible to only the first group, while a second progressive jackpot is eligible to only the second group.