Abstract: Progressive jackpot contests are operated in conjunction with games in an online system. In a contest, players compete for a jackpot funded independently from an account separate from the account paying out player winnings. The jackpot grows based on players' winnings in the games. Players of games qualify to enter contests based on their winnings in the games relative to eligibility criteria, Players of games increase their chances of winning a contests' jackpot by playing and winning in the games. As a result, contests provide an incentive for players to play game, and provide players an opportunity to win additional rewards beyond their individual game play payouts.