Cloud API · REST + MCP

WhatsApp Cloud API: building blocks, and a simpler way in

The Cloud API is Meta’s hosted WhatsApp Business API. Gambot is a Business Solution Provider that exposes the same API through a smaller REST surface and an MCP server for AI agents.

Create free account →Connect an AI agent (MCP)

Cloud APIWebhooksTemplatesMCPNo QR

What the Cloud API is

The WhatsApp Cloud API is the version of the WhatsApp Business API that Meta hosts for you. You do not run servers for WhatsApp itself: you send messages by calling Meta’s Graph API (a POST to the /messages edge of a phone number id) and Meta calls your webhook for incoming messages and status updates.

The building blocks

Piece	What it is	Who handles it with Gambot
Meta app and business portfolio	A developer app, plus a business (optionally verified for higher limits)	Gambot’s provider setup; you complete Embedded Signup once
WhatsApp Business Account and phone number	The WABA and a registered business number	Created and linked during Embedded Signup
Access token	Credential to call the API	You use one Gambot token or OAuth; Meta tokens are managed for you
Webhook endpoint	Public HTTPS endpoint with verification and signature checks, retries and de-duplication	Gambot receives from Meta and forwards a simple envelope to your URL
Message templates	Submit, track approval, version	API and MCP tools with status; naming and category guidance
24-hour window	Text only after a recent customer message, otherwise a template	Checked by an endpoint; errors tell agents to send a template
Limits and errors	Messaging tiers, rate limits, numeric Graph error codes	Structured error codes and recommended next actions

When to use the Cloud API directly

You have engineers who want full control of every Graph API call and you accept operating webhooks, token management and template workflows yourself.
You need a Meta feature that a provider layer does not yet expose.

When Gambot fits better

You want to ship WhatsApp messaging quickly without learning Meta’s app review and webhook details first.
You want an AI agent to do the integration (MCP server and Agent Skill) with clear next steps and structured errors.
You also need CRM, campaigns, bots and a shared inbox on the same number.

The same job through Gambot

Gambot sends through the Cloud API for you. No Graph version, phone number id or app token in your code.

# 1) Is free text allowed right now? (24-hour customer-service window)
curl -s https://api.gambot.co.il/api/v1/conversations/12025550123/window \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $GAMBOT_TOKEN"

# 2a) Window open -> free text
curl -s -X POST https://api.gambot.co.il/api/v1/messages/send-text \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $GAMBOT_TOKEN" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"to":"12025550123","text":"Your order has shipped."}'

# 2b) Window closed -> approved template
curl -s -X POST https://api.gambot.co.il/api/v1/messages/send-template \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $GAMBOT_TOKEN" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"to":"12025550123","templateId":"order_update_0626","variables":["Dana","#1234"]}'

# 3) Did it arrive?
curl -s "https://api.gambot.co.il/api/v1/messages/<messageId>/status?phone=12025550123" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $GAMBOT_TOKEN"

Connect an AI agent

Local, starts in onboarding mode when no token is set:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "gambot": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "gambot-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "GAMBOT_TOKEN": "gmbt_your_token_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Next steps

WhatsApp MCP — hosted OAuth endpoint https://gambot-mcp.azurewebsites.net/mcp or npx -y gambot-mcp.
Detailed comparison: Gambot vs building on the Cloud API yourself.
Create a Gambot account and connect your number.

WhatsApp MCP — give an AI agent the official WhatsApp API (local npx or hosted OAuth).
WhatsApp API for AI agents · WhatsApp API for developers
WhatsApp Business API explained
Gambot vs building on Meta’s Cloud API directly · Official API vs WhatsApp Web automation
Gambot Agent Skill · REST API docs · GitHub · npm

Use the Cloud API without the plumbing

Same official API, a smaller interface, and an MCP server your agents already understand.

Create free account →Read the API docs

Frequently asked questions

What is the WhatsApp Cloud API?

It is Meta’s hosted WhatsApp Business API. You send messages by calling Meta’s Graph API and receive customer messages and delivery updates through a webhook you provide.

Is the Cloud API the same as the WhatsApp Business API?

The Cloud API is the Meta-hosted way to use the WhatsApp Business API; it replaced the older on-premises version for new integrations.

Does Gambot use the Cloud API?

Yes. Gambot is a Meta Business Solution Provider; its REST API and MCP server send through the WhatsApp Business (Cloud) API.

Do I still need a Meta developer app?

Not for your own code. You connect your business number to Gambot once via Meta Embedded Signup in the browser; after that you call the Gambot API with a Gambot token.

Is this WhatsApp Web automation?

No. There is no QR code or linked personal session.