A gaming system and method includes one or more input devices, display devices, processors, and memory devices. The memory device(s) store instructions that, when executed by the processor(s), cause the gaming system to receive an input indicative of a wager for a base wagering game, initiate the base wagering game, initiate a bonus game, and establish a minimum bonus payout threshold for the bonus game. At least one bonus game outcome is determined for the bonus game. An aggregate award is determined for the at least one bonus game outcome. In response to the aggregate award being greater than the minimum bonus payout threshold, the aggregate award is awarded. In response to the aggregate award being less than the minimum bonus payout threshold, the aggregate award is awarded plus a supplemental award. The supplemental award is equal to the difference between the minimum bonus payout threshold and the aggregate award. 510 5/8 530 Receive Wager 1 Initiate Bonus R e v WG a m e Initiate Base Set a Minimum Wagering Game Bonus Payout Value 520 ' 540 ffl; Select Random Select Random Outcome in Base Outcome(s) of Wagering Game Bonus Game Determine and 525 Does Aggregate Awards Outcome Include a Bonus Trigger? Yes 550 Does No Aggregate Award Exceed No Minimum Bonus 560--,. Payout Award Aggregate Value? Award Plus a Supplemental Yes Award Award Aggregate 565 IFAward 5653 Determine Award Amount of Base Wagering Game Provide Award(s) 1 ________ FIG. 5
Wagering game with a guaranteed but variable bonus payout