We have received word that online gambling site WeBet is shutting down it’s Manila office. Sources have informed us that the sportsbook and casino site laid off nearly all their staff and are winding down Manila operations quickly.

The cause of the shutdown appears to go back to the sudden death of Gary Murphy, co-owner of Malta payments company Pay Secure Online Ltd. (Pay Sec) with his brother Andrew. While business continued as usual for some time, employees of Pay Sec were informed on May 7 that the company was shut down, and approximately 80 staff were immediately let go, most of them located in Manila, sources tell us. Staff were informed that funding was no longer available to continue running the business.

WeBet, run by Andrew Murphy, had its operations funded by Pay Sec. With that funding no longer available, Andrew Murphy has been in downsize mode and WeBet’s Manila operations were the first victim. A visit to their site now allows one to choose their region, but then leads to a blank page regardless of region chosen. We’ve not been told what will happen with their customers, however it appears a skeleton staff is being kept on to wrap up loose ends.

Another source close to the situation tell us that after Gary’s death, which was well known in the company, there was still plans to keep the business going with no issues.