The system provides a control and management solution for linked gaming machines in a progressive game environment. The system can track multiple meters so that multiple progressive jackpots can be maintained for each game and/or for multiple participating business entities sharing in game revenue. Correspondingly, multiple progressive display meters can be controlled for each game machine. The system is scalable from near area progressive systems to wide area progressive systems. In the event that communication is lost with in a wide area progressive environment, one or more game machines may automatically switch to near area progressive behavior until communication is restored. The system is independent of currency and denomination limitations by employing and converting currency as units instead of particular denominations. Game machine population and participation can be remotely managed, updated, and changed from a central management location.
