People All Over The World Are Trying To Win The Billion Dollar Powerball Jackpot

And you thought that you needed to be in the United States to win the Powerball jackpot.

Ever since the Powerball jackpot crossed the billion dollar mark, the hype behind the game has grown. I bought my ticket this morning in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Now technically you need to be in the United States to play, but they've found a work around for that.

Over 9 million people in places such as Germany, Australia, the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Italy, South Africa and Eastern Europe are using something called "Lottoland". So how is this legal? Well, that's where it gets interesting.

According to a press release, "By betting on PowerBall at Lottoland, you are not participating in the official draw, but rather place a bet on the outcome of the official lottery draw." So they are essentially running their own lottery from the territory of Gibraltar. But instead of doing their own draw, they use ours. So what happens if someone wins big?

The company has an insurance policy against any grand prize winners . So they pay the insurance amount and the agency that issued the policy will pay the winner if anyone happens to hit it big.

Lottoland lets people play lotteries from all over the world, but there was a recent million dollar Powerball winner in Germany. According to Indian site justgamblers "The winner of the Powerball valued at ₹ 8 crores, was a young man from Wolfsburg, called Michael. He is the youngest millionaire in Lottoland history. As a car salesman by trade, he wanted to buy himself a flashy sports car with his winning money. Yet, he felt a commitment to his employer and instead settled for a top-of-the-range VW to support the business."

This whole thing feels shady to me, but if you're in Sweden and want to take a shot at the billion dollar Powerball jackpot, this is the way. Good luck all.

Another Powerball drawing is tonight and if you've been dreaming of winning and how you'd spend all that money, here are 11 homes in Southwest Florida you'll be able to afford when you win.

Winning the lottery for most would be a dream come true. And tonight's Powerball jackpot is up to $725 million. For the small cost of $2 for a ticket, your world can change in a big way. If you've had your eye on some high-end real estate in Fort Myers, Sanibel or Naples, finding yourself with a whole bunch of money to spend would be fun! Imagine all those houses you always drive by on the beach and think "if only..." Think no more, because with $725 million, you could probably buy a few!

I always think about what I would do with all that money. It's hard to fathom just how much $725 million is. But it could definitely buy you that car you've always dreamed out. Maybe a yacht that sleeps more than your current apartment. Or it could be that you would just enjoy being able to take your family on a go-all-0ut vacation for a week or two (make it 3, you'll have plenty of cash.)

But let's talk real estate. I put together a list of 11 homes in Southwest Florida that you'll be able to afford if you win the $725 million Powerball jackpot tonight. Tonight's jackpot is the seventh biggest Powerball jackpot EVER and the cash option is $366.2 million. Sign me UP! I looked at current listings on realtor.com and found the most expensive home for sale in different cities in the area.

This 5 bed, 5 bath home on Marco Island can be yours for $14 million. Featuring a theater room, amazing views, an infinity pool with a water slide and more.

I don't know if I've ever seen a more expensive home. This one is almost 9000 square feet with and has 6 beds and 13.5 baths and comes in at $174.7 million.

This home, named, The Cabana is located on the bay with gulf views. Priced at $19.9 million, it features an elevator and a gorgeous pool.

This home is located in the West Bay Club. With 4 beds, 4 1/2 baths, a den and a pool, this home is the definition of luxurious Florida resort living.

This gated property priced at $17.9 million features 4 bedrooms, 2 dens, a separate guest house with 3 additional bedrooms, a separate gym, a 9-car garage and an exotic botanical garden.

This penthouse priced at $3.9 million is located in SW Cape Coral in the Tarpon Point Marina community offering views of the Gulf. You'll have a private rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen and a gazebo.

This $4.4 million home is right on the river in Buttonwood Harbor with a panoramic view to downtown Fort Myers. Features include an elevator, a wine room, 3 fireplaces and a pool and spa with a pool bar.

This home sits on 2 acres and features solar panels, an outdoor kitchen, a screened in porch/lanai. It's priced at $1.1 million.

This home in Punta Gorda is waterfront 7100+ square foot home featuring a 3 bed, 3 bath guest house, 6-car garage and a private boat ramp/dock. Priced at $2.8 million.

If you're looking for country style living, Tall Palms Ranch is the place for you. Sitting on 53 acres, this 8 bed, 7 bath home is set back out of view from any other homes and priced at $3.4 million.

This 3 bed, 3 bath pool home priced at $1.6 million is located in North Port Estates and offers lake and pool views and a circle drive surrounding a pond with tropical landscaping.