A gaming system for playing a restricted-access progressive game comprises a database containing data, including a list of players having access to the restricted-access progressive game. The system includes a gaming terminal with a connection port for coupling the gaming terminal to the data-base. The gaming terminal has a player-identification device providing player information. The information is compared with data in the database to determine whether the restricted-access progressive game can be activated and game information displayed at the gaming terminal. A method of operating the progressive game comprises receiving a player-identification input at the gaming terminal and transmitting a player-identifier signal from the gaming terminal to a remotely located controller that determines accessibility to the progressive game. The method further includes receiving, at the gaming terminal, a progressive game accessibility signal from the remotely located controller and, if the signal is positive, allowing a player to conduct the progressive game.