MONTGOMERY — Defense lawyers for three current or former state senators told jurors Thursday that the trio did not sell their votes on a gambling bill.

Lawyers for Sen. Harri Anne Smith, I-Slocomb, and former state Sens. Jim Preuitt and Larry Means said their clients voted for the legislation because it would have meant good things for their districts or state.

“Nobody had more to gain from Senate Bill 380, than Houston County, Ala.,” Smith lawyer William White said.

Opening statements concluded Thursday in the case alleging vote-buying in the Alabama Legislature. Testimony in the case was expected to begin this morning. Smith, Preuitt and Means are on trial along with VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor, lobbyist Tom Coker and former casino spokesman Jay Walker.