Old Firm Derby Betting Odds
Betting on the Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers can prove to be one of the most anticipated sporting events for punters anywhere in the world. The reason for this is that it’s predictable and great fun to follow, making it an ideal football fixture. Here at Bet UK we go big on Old Firm odds ahead of, and during, every match between Rangers and Celtic.
Betting on Upcoming fixtures in Old Firm
Celtic and Rangers face off against each other at least four times a season due to how the Scottish Premiership works. Both teams had an impressive defensive record last season but it was Celtic that bested Rangers in every competition. Typically correct score bets with just 1 goal separating the sides tend to be common bets and the goal difference of each side shouldn't be taken into account when placing a bet on the individual game. Last season, these were the scores:
- Celtic 4-0 Rangers
- Rangers 2-2 Celtic
- Celtic 3-2 Rangers
- Rangers 3-0 Celtic
- Rangers 1-2 Celtic (Scottish League Cup)
- Rangers 0-1 Celtic (Scottish Cup)
Neither side has a perfect record against the other, despite Celtic having a dominant season. In 2023/24, Celtic hit an early blip with poor results against Kilmarnock and St Johnstone. However, an opening day loss to Kilmarnock has also led to questions being asked of Rangers.
The first Old Firm game of the season takes place on September 3rd at Ibrox and it looks set to be a cracker.
Celtic Vs Rangers Head-To-Head Trophies
Trophy | Celtic Wins | Rangers Wins |
---|---|---|
League Titles | 54 Wins | 55 Wins |
League Cup | 22 Wins | 27 Wins |
Scottish Cup | 42 Wins | 34 Wins |
European Cups | 1 Win | 1 Win |
Total | 116 Trophies | 117 Trophies |
As you can see from the trophy tallies above, Rangers have won more trophies in a number of categories including league titles. However, there is one trophy that Celtic have won that Rangers have not and are unlikely to win in the near future and that is the European Cup, now known as the Champions League. Goals from Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers saw Celtic come back from 1-0 down against Inter Milan on the grandest stage in football to give them Scotland's only Champions League victory. They had the chance to win a second in 1970 but were on the opposite end of a comeback against Feyenoord.
As for Rangers, their only European trophy came in the Cup Winners Cup back in 1971-72 when they defeated Dinamo Moscow 3-2. The Scottish side took a commanding 3-0 lead and almost let it slip after two late goals; however, they held their nerve and took home a trophy for their efforts. More recently, it is Rangers who have come closest to success in Europe, finishing as runner-ups in the Europa League (formerly known as the UEFA Cup) on two occasions, interestingly enough they were favourites to win going into both games but lost to Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 in 2007/08 and lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2021/22 season.
Old Firm Betting
The Old Firm is the name given to the historic football rivalry between two of Scotland's most successful clubs, Celtic and Rangers. The term "Old Firm" was initially used to describe the lucrative financial benefits of the matches between the two clubs. However, the rivalry has since evolved into a complex and deep-rooted phenomenon, encompassing not just football, but also social, political, and religious aspects.
The rivalry has been intensified by the clubs' dominance in Scottish football; Celtic and Rangers have won the vast majority of domestic league titles and cup competitions in Scotland. The games are now considered crucial to the Scottish title race every year.
Despite its turbulent history, the Old Firm derby continues to be one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in world football, showcasing not just the passion and talent within Scottish football but also reflecting the complex social and historical context from which it emerged. And with it comes plenty of attention from sports betting fans too.
Betting on the Old Firm was commonplace from the very first meeting between Rangers and Celtic. Generally the odds are hard to split, and the home team is the favourite purely because of their fanatical support. In recent years, though, Celtic have largely been the favourites for Old Firm games – and the betting odds reflect that.
Best Old Firm Bets
They say form goes “out the window” in football derbies, and there’s no bigger than the Old Firm. But football fans are minded to be shrewd with their wagers during games between Celtic and Rangers because there are some choices that are clearly better than others.
Here are some of the best Old Firm bets and why they’re worth considering:
Booking Points – The Old Firm is the fourth dirtiest derby in Europe, averaging almost five yellow cards per match. This means you’re likely to have plenty of wild challenges, robust arguments, and the odd punch thrown in too. Betting on a lot of yellows is usually a good option for the Old Firm.
Goals Goals Goals – Some football rivalries feature fewer goals than normal games, but not so with the Old Firm. There’s been an average 3.3 goals score per Old Firm game over the past 10 meetings between Rangers and Celtic*. The average goals in the Scottish Premiership is 2.95 per game.
BTTS – Both teams have scored in eight of the last 12 meetings between these two teams*. Usually both go gung-ho and target goals, and so it’s not a bad shout to back Both Teams To Score.
Old Firm Head to Head Record
As of August 2023 there have been a total of 436 Old Firm games played. The first match was played in 1890 – a Scottish Cup encounter between Celtic and Rangers. Since then the record stands as thus:
- Celtic Wins – 165
- Rangers Wins – 169
- Draws – 102
Based on historic evidence, it’s likely that any Old Firm game will end in either a home or away win. These sides generally don’t like draws. But since 2010 it's Celtic who have had the upper hand. They've won 27 games since January 2010, with Rangers winning 15 and playing out just six draws.*
*Statistics correct as of August 2023
Old Firm Derby FAQs
Can I bet on Old Firm games?
Yes. You can bet on Old Firm games involving Celtic and Rangers via Bet UK’s website, or on the Bet UK app. Bet UK offers hundreds of Old Firm bets and odds, available to players of all experience levels.
Where can I watch Celtic Vs Rangers?
In 2023, you'll be able to watch most Celtic Vs Rangers encounters on Sky Sports Main Event.
What is the best bet for Celtic Vs Rangers in 2023/24?
Unfortunately for Rangers fans, when looking at the three games that will be played in a season between the two sides, the best bets tend to include Celtic to win and where Celtic's goals will come from.
Other than this, checking out the Bet Builder options available at BetUK could provide you with the best odds, especially UK customers are looking to place their first bet on the Old Firm Derby.
Who will win between Celtic and Rangers?
Historically it’s hard to split Celtic and Rangers in the Old Firm record books. Celtic boast 165 wins and Rangers 169 wins. Draws are the least common outcome in the Old Firm, with just 102.
Who has won the most Old Firm games?
Rangers hold the record for the most Old Firm derby wins at 169. However, Celtic are not far behind with 165 wins.
Can I bet on the Old Firm Derby with my mobile device?
Yes! You can Immerse yourself in Old Firm mobile betting by hitting download on the Bet UK app today! The app offers users complete access to the extensive Bet UK sportsbook and our hundreds of Old Firm odds. Enjoy fantastic bonuses leading up to Celtic vs Rangers, trigger special deals and bet boosts, and make rapid deposits and withdrawals using your phone or tablet.
The Bet UK app is fast and reacts to live Old Firm betting, so you’ll stay on top of all the action. You can also access the latest Scottish Premiership outright markets and wager on which of Celtic and Rangers you think will win the league.