I recall watching a video where a struggling Las Vegas casino offered a "whale" (really a card counter) extremely favorable blackjack conditions. They did this because it was during a recession and they were really struggling for customers. The guy ended up taking them for a lot of money, but I digress.

My question is would an economic recession be favorable to counters due to the casino looking for customers, or would a recession be harmful for counters due to the casino being on higher alert for any advantage players who could take their money? Or does it make no difference at all?