a method and gaming machine for playing a wagering game . in one embodiment , the method comprises providing a wagering game and a plurality of different pay - tables , a player placing a wager in order to play the wagering game , providing predetermined wager criteria , determining which of the predetermined wager criteria the wager fulfills , playing the wagering game , and providing a pay - out to the player in accordance with a predetermined number of the plurality of pay - tables wherein the predetermined number depends upon which of the predetermined wager criteria the wager fulfills .