Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a multi-hand poker game having a persistent moving modifier. Generally, when a modifier triggering event occurs in association with a play of the multi-hand poker game, the gaming system activates a corresponding modifier, associates the active modifier with one of the hands of the multi-hand poker game, and uses the active modifier to modify any award for that hand. In one embodiment, after completing that play, the gaming system moves the active modifier to another hand for the next play. In another embodiment, after completing that play, the gaming system enables the player to determine whether to move the active modifier to another hand for the next play. When the modifier expiration event occurs for an active modifier, the gaming system deactivates the modifier.