The chances are, unless you have been to Vegas recently, the image you've got within your mind, might be one that's trapped in time.

A decade ago, if you had walked in to a Vegas casino then you certainly may have seen a floor loaded with serious slot players. A mixture of people from a number of different backgrounds, but all of them sitting motionless, transfixed by the reels in hope of hitting a big jackpot.

Back in those times, gambling really was just about the gambling. The primary reason to play was to try and 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'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 a common slot player wishes to see.

In contrast, that will 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 a casino currently, the first thing that may strike you is 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 also a whole host of other previously unimaginable features

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

Having been entertained written by Unitir 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 is the big impact. Players are now seeking value in the type of entertainment.

This value concept is not exclusive to the Vegas Casino player, though, it has also hit the internet slot world.

The prime example of this new focus on value will 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's no 'house edge'. Plus, there's a social aspect to the tournament play that is completely new and adds to the enjoyment.

For this reason, 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 get 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 can win lots of money without having to wager a cent. In reality, if you are aware where to look, you shall find regular slot tourneys around which have $100,000 in prize money pools and a top prizes of fifty thousand dollars!

The same as the way that poker tournaments revolutionised online poker play, slot tournaments have the potential to become the number one of the ways 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, keep in mind the aim must be to have fun, know your limits and treat it as an entertainment