MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA -- Country Crossing casino developer Ronnie Gilley told jurors this afternoon that electronic bingo machines were a "license to print money."

Gilley took the witness stand shortly after 4 p.m. in the State House vote-buying trial. He is a major witness for prosecutors trying to convict VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor and five others on bribery charges.

The casino developer said electronic bingo machines were extremely lucrative for casino owners, and he wanted the slot machine look-alikes as a way to fund his planned country music-themed destination.

"It would be a license to print money," Gilley said.

Gilley said he started out on the opposite side of McGregor, whom he said was pushing a "monopolistic" bill that would have prevented other casinos, including Gilley's, from opening their doors.

But Gilley said he and McGregor later agreed to join forces. They met at the hangar where McGregor keeps his airplanes. "McGregor and I discussed the need to work together on future legislation," Gilley said.

"We discussed the votes that I could bring to the table," Gilley said.

Gilley said a written agreement he struck with McGregor didn't spell out how money earmarked for politically activities would be used.

Prosecutor Kendall Day asked Gilley why.

Gilley said it was obvious some of the money was being spent illegally. Gilley said McGregor was aware that the money was being spent illegally. McGregor knew that because of conversations they had, Gilley said.

Gilley, 47, pleaded guilty to bribery, conspiracy and money laundering and is testifying under a plea deal with prosecutors.

Gilley described to jurors how the bingo casinos were shut down because of the threat of raids by former Gov. Bob Riley's gambling task force.

The casino owners were pushing legislation to clarify that the machines were legal, Gilley said.

Day began his questioning by asking Gilley about crude comments he made about a female lobbyist, suggesting she expose herself to get a senator's vote.

"I am ashamed of myself Mr. Day. I would also like to extend an apology. ... It was a distasteful joke," Gilley said.

Gilley was on the witness stand for about an hour today. He likely will be on the stand for several days.