Table hopping still possible?

I just got back from a trip to downtown Las Vegas, to take advantage of a large number of blackjack games in one area. I was disappointed since after eliminating the open tables that had: continual shuffle machines, 6-5 blackjack payouts, "Super Fun" type games, games with 60% or less penetration - there was only maybe one table acceptable to play at in each casino (of the 6 or 7 large casinos I visited). And if that table was full, you had to go to another casino.
Is this the new situation, and the days of table hopping to avoid extremely negative counts are over? Any advice much appreciated!

I used to frequent downtown, but due to a decline in comps/promos and how much I hate parking there, I've taken to trying other places, with generally more positive results as well. Places outside of the major clusters tend to have more generous games.

Highlights off a recent trip:
I don't think South Point had any CSMs and they pay 3:2. I was't paying attention to penetration, but for 6-deck shoe games, I'd estimate it would be at least 75%. As an added bonus if this is your thing, they don't make you play 2xMinimum for playing two hands. They do, however, limit you to two hands. Also, a pretty decent graveyard steak special.
Silverton is 3:2 for all non-single deck and has mix of CSM/standard games. Their single deck has a few limiting rules on it (double only on 10/11, among others, I believe), but I can't give more info on it. Their double deck is approximately 60% penetration. The comps there are also solid for low-level play. Other perks include large drinks, a solid ham graveyard special, and table minimums that don't change, if what I was told by another player is to be believed. Even on a Saturday night, they have 5$ tables there. Might need to be careful of one of the younger pit bosses towards the back though; he seems a bit more informed than the typical one in there. I somehow ended up in a discussion regarding the value of the Kelly Criterion with him.

Thank you so much for the information. This is encouraging. I had heard about better games being away from the major traffic areas, but I didn't want to get into unfamiliar territory! And I did notice that the 2 deck games were the games that had 60% penetration in downtown, so I suspect this is a standard characteristic. I'll be sure to check out the two casinos you mentioned.

If double deck is you thing, check out the Stations casinos... All of their double decks are very deeply dealt. They use a notch in the discard tray to insert the cut card, therefore you get the same deep penetration every time regardless of dealer.

Great, thanks! I didn't know there was this family of hotels there. And at least one not far from the strip. I've been taking shuttles from the airport on my first couple of visits to Vegas.

I'm not a fan of the Stations I've been to... they tend to grind me to dust, the food options are underwhelming and the only one on my typical route is Palace, which feels dingy.

I do know that the Palace has a billboard advertising 5$ single-deck, but I don't know what conditions its under.

Quote: spassky962000

Is this the new situation, and the days of table hopping to avoid extremely negative counts are over? Any advice much appreciated!

That lvhoofa guy often shows how quick hits on the casinos still works: link .

Thanks, that thread was very interesting! I didn't know the downtown casinos were known for their heat. My bank won't worry them though, unfortunately!