A method for monitoring wagering machines and transmitting indications of idle wagering game machines is described herein. The method can include monitoring, at a wagering game server, credit meters of a plurality of wagering game machines. The method can further include determining, at the wagering game server based on the monitored credit meters, that a wagering game machine of the plurality of wagering game machines is idle. The method can further include transmitting, to a mobile device via a communications network, an indication that the wagering game machine is idle, the indication including an incentive available in exchange for gameplay on the wagering game machine.