An electronic gaming machine may present a wagering game in which a player goal is displayed for a player of the electronic gaming machine. In general, the player goal may specify a goal to be achieved by the player in an associated reel game. In one embodiment, such a player goal is displayed on a simulated wheel (or “goal wheel”). During play of the wagering game, the electronic gaming machine may spin and stop the goal wheel to identify one of the player goals displayed on the goal wheel. Likewise, the electronic gaming machine may spin and stop a plurality of reels to display a game outcome. The electronic gaming machine may compare the identified player goal to the game outcome, and if the game outcome matches or otherwise satisfies the player goal, the electronic gaming machine may provide a game award (and/or another game feature, such as a bonus game) to the player.