A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting wagering game activity that occurs prior to an end of a wagering game contest. The operations can further include computing an expected value of an award for the wagering game contest based on the wagering game activity. The operations can further include funding the award for the wagering game contest from a source of money other than from game wagers made during the wagering game contest, wherein a value for the award is equivalent to the expected value.