Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes distributing bonus awards associated with a spelling game. A spelling game server system defines a first subset of letters included in a plurality of letters. A spelling game server system defines a set of allowed words that includes a bonus word. A spelling game server system receives one or more letters from the first subset of letters, where the subset of letters includes at least one newly spelled word, and the at least one newly spelled word is included in the set of allowed words. A spelling game server system awarding a first reward based on the at least one newly spelled word, wherein the first reward includes a bonus reward when the at least one newly spelled word includes at least a portion of the bonus word.