What platforms support social casino: iOS, Android, Web

Introduction

Social casinos operate on three main platforms: native iOS and Android applications and web clients (browser, PWA, Facebook Canvas). Each platform has its own technical limitations, monetization methods and user scenarios. This article provides a detailed analysis of what and how works on each of the three ecosystems.

1. iOS: native apps

Installation and publishing: through the App Store, a mandatory moderation of Apple. Requires Xcode build, developer profile, and App Store Guidelines compliance.

Functions:

Push notifications (APNS) for bonus and tournament reminders.
IAP (Apple In-App Purchase) integration - all microtransactions via Apple Billing.
Face ID/Touch ID for secure login.

Limitations:

IAP rigid price grid.
PWA functions (offline cache, push in PWA) are not available or limited on iOS.

2. AndroID: Native and PWA

Native Applications (APK):

Publication on Google Play (or directly through APK), support for Google Play Services.
Push notifications via Firebase Cloud Messaging.
In-App Billing API for microtransactions.

PWA versions:

Add to Home Screen installation in Chrome - the application works as a native one, caches game HTML5 resources and a PWA manifest.
Offline restrictions: only demo slots and static UI without social interactive are available.
Flexibility: Android allows you to combine native and PWA, gives more freedom with package sizes and prices.

3. Web Client and Facebook Canvas

Browser version:

HTML5 slots and WebGL games run in any modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox).
No installation, instant URL access, cross-platform.

Progressive Web App (PWA):

Service Worker caches the main game assets (up to 50 MB), allows offline demos, but social functions (chats, tournaments) require a network.
Supports web-push (Chrome, Edge) and stores local settings.

Facebook Canvas:

Games are embedded directly into the Facebook feed, using OAuth authorization and FB Payments for IAP.
Integration with Messenger chat for invitations and gifts.

4. Comparison table

Platform	Installation	Push-notices	Payments	Offline demo	Social functions
iOS (App)	App Store	APNS	Apple IAP	No	Full
Android (App)	Google Play/APK	FCM	Google Billing	No	Full
Android (PWA)	«Add to Home»	Web-push (Chrome)	Web IAPs, third-party SDKs	Demoslots, UI	Limited
Web Browser	No	None/Limited	Web IAP, FB Payments	Demoslots, UI	Limited
Facebook Canvas	In the FB tape	Messenger	Facebook Payments	No	Complete (FB)

5. Conclusions for players and developers

Players: choose native apps for feature completeness and stable notifications; PWA and web versions - for quick access without installation.

Developers:

iOS requires strict compliance with Apple rules, but provides wide coverage for iPhone users.
Android combines native and PWA, lowering installation barriers and expanding offline capabilities.
Web and Facebook Canvas are suitable for instant audience engagement without an installation process, but restrict offline mode and mobile push notifications.

Conclusion

Social casinos cover all major platforms: native iOS and Android apps for deep integration and push notifications, PWA and web versions for fast distribution and demo mode, and Facebook Canvas for social media coverage. Each format has pros and cons - the optimal strategy includes a combination of multiple platforms to ensure maximum penetration and user experience.