Abstract: Multivenue jackpot system comprising a central control system (6), connecting via a communications network (4) to a jackpot controller (32) at multiple gaming venues (26). Each gaming venue (26) having multiple electronic gaming machines (28) (i.e. poker, slot, video machines which include hard meters and a jackpot interface (56) for linking via a venue network (30) to the jackpot controller (32). The gaming machines (28) are capable of playing independent games and participating in a multiple gaming machine jackpot game. The central control system (6) increments on the basis of the hard meter signals and/or awards a jackpot sum from a jackpot pool to a selected gaming machine (28). The jackpot interface (56) is a separate circuit board capable of being fitted to a standard gaming machine (28). Jackpot award criteria include random time, predetermined levels, usage factor of gaming machine (28) and gaming venues (26).