#1.)  Don't bother letting the machine pick random numbers.  Customized numbers have the same chance of winning. 

#2.)  Don't pick popular lucky numbers like seven or numbers under 31 because those could be birthdays. More people will have those numbers and could end up splitting the jackpot with you. You're hoping you have obscure numbers, and they hit.

#3.)  The only way to increase your real odds? Buying more tickets.

#4.)  Don't pick the same number for the Powerball every time.

#5.)  Finally, make sure if you're in a lottery pool, you send photo proof of the tickets you bought for the group and ones you bought for yourself.  You don't need the inevitable lawsuit if that line is blurred. 

(Tips from Yahoo.com)