A method of constructing a link progressive meter system to increase participation and generate additional player excitement during a progressive type game. Each interface or monitor to a gaming machine or monitored point can act and process decisions independently of other monitors. Each monitor contains in computer data memory the status of the entire network and this is replicated throughout the entire network. A method for a bonus game that may be implemented upon an individual gaming apparatus or upon a link progressive network connecting a plurality of gaming machines is described.