In fact the only advantage you can have in the lottery is of decreasing the chances of hitting a winning number that was also chosen by someone else and thus having to split the Jackpot. Many people let the computer choose, which helps limit duplicates, but if you want to choose numbers then be sure to select numbers over 31. Many people select important dates and so don't have any "lucky numbers" over 31.
That said, if you really want to increase your return for playing the lottery, sticking your money in a cookie jar is a far better investment, provided you already ate all the cookies in the jar.
I know - haven't played in ages, either, but sometimes just for fun it seems OK. In that case it should be considered more of an entertainment than an investment.
As for numbers above 31 - of course it only works as long as not many people realize they should pick numbers above 31. In the long run I suppose random numbers are the best bet.
That said, if you really want to increase your return for playing the lottery, sticking your money in a cookie jar is a far better investment, provided you already ate all the cookies in the jar.