A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting that a non-wagering activity is performed separate from a wagering game. The operations can further include determining that a progression requirement for a persistent-state game is fulfilled via the non-wagering activity. The operations can further include, after determining that the progression requirement is fulfilled, performing one or more of unlocking wagering game content, setting a progression limit in the persistent-state game until wagering game activity is performed, and removing a progression limit in the persistent-state game that was set via wagering activity.