About Desperate Dawgs
Desperate Dawgs is the breakout hit from Reflex Gaming, bringing a fun and unusual twist to the classic Western theme. Instead of cowboys and gunslingers, the reels are ruled by criminal canines looking to pull off their next big heist.
The game’s charm comes from its offbeat visuals and the inclusion of three unique bonus features, each offering a different way to win big. Originally launched in land-based UK markets, Desperate Dawgs made a successful leap online – especially through the Yggdrasil YG Masters program – and has since found a strong following among online players, including those in New Zealand.
Gameplay and Features
Desperate Dawgs is played on a 5×3 reel layout with 20 fixed paylines. The base game includes stacked wilds and straightforward symbol combinations, but the real fun starts when one of the three bonus rounds is triggered.
Here’s what to expect:
- Bad Boy Bonus: Land 3 red badges to trigger this feature – an instant prize bonus with a potential payout of up to 100x your stake.
- Train Robber Bonus: Land 3 blue badges to activate this pick-and-click bonus game. Choose train carriages to reveal cash prizes. Watch out for the multiplier!
- Bank Buster Bonus: The most rewarding feature, triggered by 3 green badges. Crack the code to open safes and unlock large prizes – this is where the biggest wins can happen.
Each badge symbol represents a different dog – and each dog brings its own style of bonus round.
Symbols and Payouts
The reels feature a mix of Wild West staples and canine chaos: sheriff badges, sacks of cash, TNT crates, and low-paying card symbols (10–A). The Desperate Dawgs logo is the wild symbol and substitutes for all regular symbols.
The highest base game win comes from landing five wilds across a payline. However, the real payout potential lies within the bonus rounds, especially the Bank Buster, which can deliver wins of up to 3,000x your stake.
Graphics and Sound
Desperate Dawgs uses a cartoon-style art direction with exaggerated characters and colourful backgrounds. The reels are set against a sunlit Western town, and animations trigger during wins and bonus entries. The music is playful with a Western twist, keeping the energy light and humorous without straying into slapstick.
Mobile Experience
The game runs smoothly on all modern devices thanks to its HTML5 base. Whether you’re spinning on mobile, tablet, or desktop, all features – including the interactive bonus games – work flawlessly. The touch controls are responsive and intuitive for players in New Zealand and beyond.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Three entertaining and varied bonus features
- Fun and original Wild West theme
- Medium-high volatility with good win potential
- Mobile-optimised
Cons
- Bonus rounds can take time to trigger
- Graphics are cartoonish – may not appeal to all
- No free spins feature
Final Verdict
Desperate Dawgs is a fun and feature-rich slot that stands out from the crowd thanks to its unique theme and variety of bonus rounds. For New Zealand players who want something lighthearted with real win potential, this is one of Reflex Gaming’s most entertaining offerings – and a solid pick for casual and serious spinners alike.
Online Casinos to play Desperate Dawgs
| № | Casino | Rating | Welcome Bonus | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Info about bonus | Play now | |||
 | 100% up to 300€ Info about bonus | Play now | New players at CasinoStars can claim a 100% welcome bonus up to NZ$500 with no wagering requirements. Simply use code STARS1 before making your first deposit of at least NZ$20, and the bonus will be automatically added to your account. The maximum bet with bonus funds is NZ$5, and winnings from the bonus cannot be withdrawn. The bonus will be forfeited upon withdrawal. Restricted games include jackpot games, table games, video poker, virtual games, live casino, and sportsbook events. | ||
 | Up to NZ$700 + 150 FS Info about bonus | Play now | Playamo's welcome bonus for New Zealand players includes a 100% match up to NZ$450 on the first deposit plus 100 free spins for Elvis Frog in Vegas, followed by a 50% bonus up to NZ$250 and 50 free spins for Lady Wolf Moon on the second deposit. Bonus codes FIRSTDEP and SECONDDEP must be used to claim the offers. Free spins are released in daily batches, and the maximum bet while wagering bonus funds is NZ$6.5. |
