Social Casinos on Facebook, Google Play and App Store: Overview and Key Features

Introduction

Social casinos on Facebook, Google Play and the App Store offer free-to-play entertainment in slot, poker and roulette formats, where bets are made with virtual chips. These platforms have their own publishing rules, restrictions and monetization methods. Below is a clear overview of their differences and practical features.

1. Facebook: Built-in HTML5 games and Canvas apps

Format

HTML5 applications that run in the Facebook Canvas window.

Do not require installation, work in desktop and mobile web versions.

Distribution

"Invite Friends" support and built-in Messenger for social mechanics.

Access via news feed, ads and friend recommendations.

Monetization

Purchase virtual chips through Facebook Payments (credit cards, PayPal).

Rewarded Video for free chips.

Audience retention

Push notifications via Messenger.

Daily "Spin the Wheel" bonuses and social tournaments.

2. Google Play: native Android apps

Format

APK applications with access to Google Play Services.

PWA mode is possible, but more often the release of a native client.

Distribution

Visibility in categories "Casino," "Social."

Recommendations through Play Store algorithms and feature placement.

Monetization

In-app purchases (IAP) via Google Billing: coin packages, subscriptions.

AdMob integration for rewarded videos.

Audience retention

Push notifications (Google Firebase).

Integration with Google Play Games: achievements and leadership boards.

Restrictions

Policy for specifying virtual currency as "non-monetary."

Prohibition on any promises of real gain.

3. App Store: Native iOS Apps

Format

IPA applications via Xcode and TestFlight for beta testing.

PWA solutions are less common due to Apple's policies.

Distribution

App Store Connect: mandatory moderation, regional settings.

Rubric "Games →" "Casino →" "Social" or "Free to Play."

Monetization

In-App Purchases via Apple IAP: strictly controlled price bracket.

Advertising through Apple Search Ads and third-party SDKs (Unity Ads).

Audience retention

Push notifications via Apple Push Notification Service (APNS).

TestFlight invitations for involvement.

Restrictions

No real-money gambling mechanics, user data privacy.

Clear disclaimer about virtual currency in the description.

4. Comparison table

Platform	Format	Monetization	Social functions	Restrictions
Facebook	HTML5 Canvas	FB Payments, Rewarded Ads	Invite Friends, Messenger	Only virtual chips, no cash-out
Google Play	Native Android	Google IAP, AdMob	Push Notifications, Play Games	Virtual currency without real-money claims
App Store	Native iOS	Apple IAP, Search Ads	Push notifications, TestFlight	Strict review, virtual currency only

5. Best Practices for Developers

1. Consider platform policies

Clearly indicate that the currency is virtual, without output.

Comply with IAP price limits and advertising SDK rules.

2. Integration of social mechanics

Facebook: use Canvas API and Messenger.

Mobile: Implement Achievement API (Play Games/Game Center).

3. Retention and engagement

Daily awards, tournaments between friends, leaderboards.

Push notifications with personal offers.

4. User path optimization

Minimize clicks before buying chips.

Provide quick access to leaderboards and chats.

Conclusion

Social casinos on Facebook, Google Play and the App Store differ in publishing format, monetization methods and engagement tools, but combine a free-to-play model on virtual currency. When developing, it is important to take into account platform policies, integrate social functions and optimize the IAP path to ensure audience growth and stable income without breaking the rules.