Gaming machine having a community game with side wagering

A gaming system for playing a wagering game comprising:

• a plurality of gaming machines adapted to display at least one basic wagering game thereon and to provide an award therefrom;
• at least one community display for displaying a community event thereon;
• and
• at least one controller in communication with the at least one community display and the plurality of gaming machines, the controller being operative to,
• (i) select two or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the community event, and
• (ii) select, from a plurality of independent community events, the community event to be displayed on the community display.

A method for conducting at least one wagering game on a plurality of gaming machines, comprising:

• triggering a community event while conducting the at least one wagering game on the plurality of gaming machines;
• selecting two or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the community event;
• and
• selecting the community event from a plurality of independent community events.