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

Ten years ago, if you had walked into a Vegas casino you might have seen a floor packed with serious slot players. A mixture of people from numerous backgrounds, but all of them sitting motionless, transfixed through the reels in hope of hitting a big jackpot.

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

Conversely, things have changed.

The new generation of players are different. They may be 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 which an average slot player wishes to see.

However, that doesn't mean the slot floor is now the exclusive domain of young players. Indeed, far from it. Many of the greater 'experienced' folk have also taken on the electronic lifestyle and enjoy all of the 'Bells and Whistles' which accompany.

Well, when you visit a casino these days, the very first thing that may strike you will be the intensity as well as the atmosphere created through 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 find out 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 by the slots, a modern player could leave a playing session having spent $50 or secret info so feeling completely satisfied that they have had some fun, been entertained and in no way feeling downbeat and dejected at having 'lost' on the slots. This is the positive change. Players are now seeking value within the form of entertainment.

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

The prime example of this new concentrate on value could be the popularity of online slot tournaments. Online slot tournaments allow slot players to compete against real people, rather than against the casino. What this means is there isn't any 'house edge'. Plus, there is a social aspect to the tournament play that is completely new and adds to the enjoyment.

So, where is the value in playing a slot tournament?

Well, for a start, every player starting a tournament has the exact same chance of winning among the top prizes that everyone else has. You get to play longer, for less money, yet still possess the chance to win big. Many casinos now even have free online slot tournaments, so you can win big money without the need of to wager a cent. In reality, if you know where to look, you will find regular slot tourneys available which have $100,000 in prize money pools and a top prizes of $50,000!

Much like the way that poker tournaments revolutionised online poker play, slot tournaments possess the possibility to get to be the number one of the ways of getting that type of value from online slots"

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