Rob Anderson Jr.

Powerball Winner • KY • 2009

Jackpot (2024$)

$187,000,000

lump sum

Age at Win

39

Auto factory worker

Summary

Rob Anderson Jr., a 39-year-old Toyota seat factory worker, won Kentucky's largest-ever Powerball jackpot on December 26, 2009, taking home a **$63.5 million cash option** (approximately **$90 million in 2024 dollars**). The win came from a printing mistake—a clerk accidentally combined three $1 tickets into one $3 Quick Pick, and Anderson kept it. He and wife Tuesday claimed the prize on January 6, 2010, stating their intention to remain "grounded" and continue their frugal lifestyle. The complete absence of negative media coverage over 15+ years strongly supports a "Stable" outcome classification, though direct verification of current financial status remains unavailable.

Quick Facts

Win Date
December 26, 2009
State
KY
Winner Type
couple
Marital Status
married
Ticket Type
Quick Pick
Payment Choice
lump sum
After Tax
$37M

Notable Quotes

"We're really grounded people. We'll still clip coupons and still look for the clearance rack."

"The clerk ran the $3 Quick Pick but he put it all on one ticket, and I was like, doggone it, I needed three separate tickets."

"We didn't hit it, that's not us. Something's not right!"

Analysis

Protective Factors

  • +Coupon-clipping philosophy - maintained frugal mindset
  • +Strong marriage with wife Tuesday
  • +Stayed in hometown Georgetown
  • +12 years of playing together built partnership
  • +Mentored other winners - community connection maintained
  • +Great Recession timing - asset prices low, invested wisely
  • +Quick claim (4 days) minimized uncertainty period

How They Found Out

Clerical error created the winning ticket. Anderson wanted 3 separate $1 tickets as Christmas gifts for family, but clerk put all numbers on one $3 ticket. Anderson accepted the error ("I had a couple extra dollars") and bought it for himself, then purchased 3 separate tickets for gifts. Tossed the "mistake" ticket on his dresser. Checked Sunday morning after the draw and told wife Tuesday: "We didn't hit it, that's not us. Something's not right!" - cognitive dissonance of sudden wealth.

Research Quality: high Last Updated: 1/15/2024Years Tracked: 15