Achievement-based payout schedule unlock techniques implemented in wager-based gaming networks

A computer implemented gaming method conducted in a gaming network, the gaming network including a first electronic, wager-based gaming device (“first EGD”), the first EGD including a first display and a first input device, the method comprising causing at least one processor to execute a plurality of instructions stored in memory for causing at least one component of the gaming network to:

• enable a player to engage in interactive game play of a hybrid arcade/wager-based game at the first EGD, the hybrid arcade/wager-based game including a non-wager based gaming portion and a wager-based gaming portion;
• the wager-based gaming portion being configured or designed to provide a first type of wagering opportunity which utilizes a first payout schedule for determining payout amounts for wager events relating to the first type of wagering opportunity;
• the wager-based gaming portion being further configured or designed to provide a second type of wagering opportunity which utilizes a second payout schedule for determining payout amounts for wager events relating to the second type of wagering opportunity;
• provide at least one in-game opportunity for the player to initiate at least one first wager event relating to the first type of wagering opportunity;
• determine if the player has satisfied a first set of in-game achievement criteria for enabling the player to access the second type of wagering opportunity;
• if it is determined that the player has not satisfied the first set of in-game achievement criteria, prevent the player from accessing the second type of wagering opportunity;
• and
• if it is determined that the player has satisfied the first set of in-game achievement criteria, provide at least one in-game opportunity for the player to initiate at least one second wager event relating to the second type of wagering opportunity.