A wagering game is comprised of a basic game, a progressive game with a progressive payout, and an input device for identifying players who are playing the basic game and who become eligible for the progressive payout. The progressive payout can be awarded to a player during a selected time period. But, if the progressive payout is not awarded during the selected time period, the progressive payout is awarded to an eligible player that is randomly selected in a drawing. The progressive payout can have first and second payouts that are awarded, respectively, during a first time period (e.g., per week) and a second time period (e.g., per month). Thus, the player does not need to be at the gaming terminal to win the progressive jackpot.