The chances are, unless you have been to Vegas recently, the image you have in your mind, might be one that is trapped in time.

Ten years ago, if you had walked into a Vegas casino then you certainly may have seen a floor loaded with serious slot players. A mix of people from many various backgrounds, but all of them sitting motionless, transfixed through the reels in hope of hitting a big jackpot.

Back in those times, gambling really was just about the gambling. The main reason to play was to try and get rich easy, rather than being a fun and enjoyable pass-time. Back then, the thought of a slot machine as being a prime source of entertainment was, to be honest, laughable

On the flip side, things have changed.

The new generation of players are different. They're used to living in a world that stimulates the senses at every turn. Videos, computer graphics, vibrant soundtracks and cartoon-style entertainment are among the things that an average slot player wishes to see.

On the contrary, that does not mean the slot floor is now the exclusive domain of young players. Indeed, far from it. Many of the more 'experienced' folk have also taken on the electronic lifestyle and enjoy all the 'Bells and Whistles' which accompany.

Well, when you visit the following page a casino these days, the first thing that will strike you will be the intensity and the atmosphere created by the high-tech images and sounds on the slot floor. Games now feature arcade-style graphics, videos, interactive bonus rounds and a whole host of other previously unimaginable features

Probably the most amazing thing to see is that people are playing for pure fun. Yes, you did read that right - they can be playing for fun! You will see people laughing and joking with each other because they play the slot bonus feature rounds. Some will even be singing along to the theme tunes!

Having been entertained through the slots, a modern player could leave a playing session having spent $50 or so feeling completely satisfied that they have had some fun, been entertained as well as in no way feeling downbeat and dejected at having 'lost' on the slots. This really is the huge difference. Players are now seeking value in the form of entertainment.

This value concept isn't exclusive to the Vegas Casino player, though, it has also hit the on-line slot world.

The prime example of this new concentrate on value could be the recognition of online slot tournaments. Online slot tournaments allow slot players to compete against real people, rather than against the casino. This implies there is absolutely no 'house edge'. Plus, there is a social aspect to the tournament play which is completely new and adds to the enjoyment.

Therefore, where will be the value in playing a slot tournament?

Well, for a start, every player starting a tournament has the exact same chance of winning one of the top prizes that everyone else has. You're able to play longer, for less cash, yet still possess the chance to win big. Many casinos now even have free online slot tournaments, so you may win lots of money without having to wager a cent. In reality, if you know where to look, you will find regular slot tourneys around which have one hundred thousand dollars in prize money pools and also a top prizes of $50,000!

The same as the way that poker tournaments revolutionised online poker play, slot tournaments have the potential to end up being the number one way of getting that type of value from online slots"

As such, whether you are visiting Vegas or taking a break from your daily activities to play online, do not forget that the aim should be to have fun, know your limits and treat it as being an entertainment