MONTGOMERY — A federal prosecutor told jurors in Alabama's gambling corruption case that casino owner Milton McGregor corrupted the Legislature by paying bribes to try to pass legislation to protect his casino.

Prosecutor Rae Woods gave the first opening statement today in Montgomery. Attorneys for McGregor and the other five defendants will follow.

Woods said McGregor managed a bribery scheme that included three state senators because Alabama's effort to shut down electronic bingo casinos was causing him to lose money. She said McGregor made more than $40 million in one year while his VictoryLand casino was operating and then lost $4 million when it closed.

Also on trial with McGregor are state Sen. Harri Anne Smith, former Sens. Jim Preuitt and Larry Means, casino lobbyist Tom Coker and casino spokesman Jay Walker.