A gaming system and method disclosed herein enable a plurality of players to play for and attempt to win at least one progressive award and a bonus game. The gaming system includes a central controller in communication with a plurality of gaming machines. The central controller maintains a plurality of progressive awards associated with the gaming machines. Each gaming machine includes a primary game operable upon a wager placed by a player. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, based on at least one play of the primary games, the central controller causes one of the gaming machines to provide the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine. Each gaming machine is also associated with a bonus game operable upon a triggering event in the primary game.