Wagering Game With Special-Event Eligibility Feature Based On Passive Game Play

A method of operating a gaming system, the gaming system including one or more controllers, a communication device, and a first gaming machine that is primarily used for playing a wagering game, the method providing a player at a second gaming machine with passive participation in an outcome of the wagering game played on the first gaming machine, the method comprising:

• receiving, via the communication device, an input from the second gaming machine indicative of a commitment of funds to passively participate in at least one outcome of the wagering game;
• presenting, during play of the wagering game, at least one feature of an entertainment layer on an electronic display device of the second gaming machine;
• and
• presenting, on the electronic display device in the context of the at least one feature, the at least one outcome of the wagering game.

A gaming system configured to facilitate passive participation in a wagering game, the gaming system comprising:

• a first gaming machine configured to conduct the wagering game;
• a communication device configured to communicate over a communications network with the first gaming machine and a second gaming machine, the second gaming machine including an electronic display device and an electronic input device;
• and
• one or more controllers configured to;
• receive, via the communication device, an input from the second gaming machine indicative of a commitment of funds to passively participate in at least one outcome of the wagering game;
• initiate, on the first gaming machine, the wagering game;
• present, during play of the wagering game, at least one feature of an entertainment layer on the electronic display device of the second gaming machine;
• and
• present, on the electronic display device in the context of the at least one feature, the at least one outcome of the wagering game.

A first gaming machine configured provide passive participation in an outcome of a wagering game to a player at a second gaming machine, the second gaming machine including an electronic display device and an electronic input device, the first gaming machine comprising:

• a communication device configured to communicate via a communications network with the second gaming machine;
• one or more controllers configured to:
• receive, from the second gaming machine, an input indicative of a commitment of funds to passively participate in the outcome of the wagering game;
• present, during play of the wagering game, a feature of an entertainment layer on the electronic display device of the second gaming machine;
• and
• present, on the electronic display device of the second gaming machine, the outcome of the wagering game in the context of the feature of the entertainment layer.