Las Vegas Desert Dogs Set Team Records, Reward Fans with Casino Prizes

^{There's much for fans to cheer about at Desert Dogs games, including free slot play and hotel stays from the Rio. (Photo: @Vegas_Matty / X.com)}

LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Desert Dogs (6-7) got off to a bumpy start after their bye week in February. However, they have since rebounded nicely with a two-game sweep of the Rochester Knighthawks (5-8) to put themselves back into position for their first-ever playoff berth in their fourth season of National Lacrosse League (NLL) action.

This Saturday night at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, the Desert Dogs will now go for their third straight victory against the Calgary Roughnecks (4-10). Fans in attendance can get a shot at even more free rewards and prizes from their casino sponsor, the Rio Hotel & Casino.

Recent Scoring Binge Leads to Winning Streak, More Free Play

The Desert Dogs set multiple franchise records in a 17-13 road win at Rochester last Saturday, including most goals in a half (10), tied for most goals in a game, and most wins in a season.

“As a four-win team just a year ago, the goal has always been to make the necessary changes to double our win total in 2026,” said Cody Moll, VP of Operations and Assistant GM of the Desert Dogs. “We currently have six of those eight wins heading into the final month of the season and hold the eighth and final seed with five games to go.”

In their last home game on March 15, the team rewarded fans in a very tangible way after the team's 17-10 win over Rochester. Through the team's "10 Goals for $10 Free Play" promotion with the Rio, any time Las Vegas scores 10 or more goals at home, fans with a Rio Rewards membership earn $10 in free slot play. In their last home game on March 15, fans even received a complimentary one-night room stay at the Rio.

Amazingly, the Desert Dogs have scored at least 10 goals every time they have stepped onto their home field this season. The team is going a perfect 7-for-7 so far, averaging 12.9 goals per game at Lee's Family Forum. 

Calgary should give Las Vegas another excellent opportunity to score 10 or more goals on Saturday. The Roughnecks are giving up 12.1 goals per game, ranking third in the NLL behind only the Knighthawks (13.2) and Desert Dogs (12.8). That bodes well for the Desert Dogs in this game and beyond as long as they can extend their offensive hot streak and keep stringing wins along down the final stretch.

“We need to continue to play our game; tough, disciplined, fast, and smart,” Moll said. “We can’t control what other teams do, but we can control ours, and as a team with its playoff destiny in our its hands, that’s all you can ask for. Playing meaningful games late into April, and once you’re in, anything can happen.”

Local Heroes to be Honored, Additional Prizes Up for Grabs

With just two home games remaining, the Desert Dogs will host Heroes Night this Saturday, followed by Fan Appreciation Game Show Night in its season finale on April 18. 

On Heroes Night, the teams will pay tribute to local law enforcement, military, and first responders. The honorees will take part in a special event during halftime, including a four-team dodgeball tournament between Metro, Fire, Veterans, and Community Ambulance. 

“The buzz around the team has helped us maintain a great crowd for each home game (lately),” said Brendan White, the team’s Vice President of Ticketing. “We’re also expecting a good turn-out for Saturday’s match-up versus Calgary, which will be our fourth annual Heroes Night. 

At Fan Appreciation Game Show Night, scratch-off tickets will be given out to all fans, and every ticket is a winner. 

The free room promo from the Rio will also be showcased in both home games, and is dependent on fan participation and success. The “Goals Getaway Winner” is determined by a lucky fan who is chosen randomly and gets the chance to earn several different prizes. That fan will get the chance to shoot from various spots on the floor, earning different prizes at each location. One of the biggest prizes is a complimentary room night for everyone if the contestant scores a goal from midfield.