1. A method in a gaming system comprising: receiving, via a network interface, detection information indicating a presence of a portable electronic device in a wager-based gaming environment, wherein detection information includes wireless signal data transmitted from the portable electronic device; determining, using one or more processors, a signal strength from the wireless signal data; determining, using the one or more processors, whether the signal strength has increased, exceeds a predetermined threshold level, and has leveled off for an amount of time exceeding a time threshold after becoming stronger; and upon determining that the signal strength has increased, exceeds the predetermined threshold level, and has leveled off for the amount of time exceeding the time threshold, initiating a wireless connection with the portable electronic device.