SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Although it missed its 2017 revenue projections significantly, Rivers Casino did hire the 1,100 people it promised, and Thursday's celebration was dedicated to its employees.

Rivers had projected it would provide $74 million in gaming tax revenue, but only provided $42 million. 

The CEO of Rush Street Gaming, Greg Carlin, spoke about the numbers.

"It's certainly no secret that gaming in upstate New York has underperformed the original projections. Well, here's some facts that the media doesn't usually report: We strongly believe in the short-term and long-term prospects of casino gaming entertainment and hospitality in upstate New York," Carlin said. "We believe in Schenectady -- the city and the county, the community, its leadership and its people."

Rivers Casino paid about $43 million in wages in 2017.