be employed on multiple linked or networked gaming machines. In one embodiment, a method of conducting a game of chance is disclosed. The method in a broad sense includes configuring a bonus game for play by a plurality of players, wherein at least one player of the plurality is enabled to play in a house role and at least one other player is enabled to play against the house. At least one opportunity is provided for a plurality of players to each play a primary game and to qualify for play of the bonus game, wherein each player enabled for play of the bonus game is enabled to play in at least one of the house role and to play against the house.
In a more specific implementation, themethod includes providing at least one gaming machine configured for play of a primary game and providing a first player and at least one other player with an opportunity to place a wager on the primary game. If the first player achieves a first specific outcome during play of the primary game or is otherwise qualified by meeting preselected criteria, a bonus game is activated. The first player is thus enabled to enter the bonus game and wager against the at least one other player, wherein the other player has qualified for the bonus game by achieving a second specific outcome during play of the primary game or by meeting other preselected criteria. The first player wagers against the at least one other player by assuming a role