A casino wagering game is played with a progressive jackpot and a second bonus event. At least one player places a wager to play a casino wagering game. The at least one player places a second wager that is optionally varying in amount wagered at the election of the player. The second wager enters both the progressive jackpot event and the second bonus event. The casino retains a portion of the second wager to become part of the progressive jackpot, while the second wager also is required to enter the at least one player in the second bonus event.