LAS VEGAS -- The mayor wrote a letter, and now one casino owner is taking a whole different approach in response to the president's comments about bailed-out companies taking trips to Las Vegas.

Many say it was unfair for the president to specifically name Sin City, further hurting the tourism industry.

Sheldon Adelson, who owns The Venetian and Palazzo, was talking to the Reuters travel and leisure summit. He's on a mission to find the worst city in America, and he's making it a contest.

He said that is the alternative to Las Vegas, and the choice is a place you can enjoy versus a place you can't.

The mayor asked for an apology from the president. Adelson said he is asking for people to submit their picks for worst city, and the winner will get a prize.

Adelson also said if the president is going to vilify Vegas, then he should vilify the 30 other states with legalized gambling.

There is a push to reinvent Las Vegas, following a meeting with hospitality industry workers Tuesday. Many hotels are switching from a luxury selling point to a value selling point, while trying to not lay off workers or streamline departments.