A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system is configured to detect the presence of portable electronic devices and to determine whether to initiate a wireless communication session with the portable electronic device based on the strength of the signal received from the portable electronic device. If the signal strength exceeds a minimal threshold level, thereby indicating the portable electronic device is near a gaming device, a wireless communication session can be initiated. The signal strength transmitted from the portable electronic device can be monitored during a game play session to determine whether the wireless communication session should remain active or be terminated.