20ZnF(2)-(20 - x)Bi2O3-60P(2)O(5):xCr(2)O(3) (0 <= x <= 2 mol%) glasses are prepared by melt quenching technique. Amorphous nature of these samples is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. FTIR study reveals bands due to CrO6(o(d)) and CrO42-(T-d) units along with conventional phosphate groups. The optical absorption and ESR studies of present glasses are analyzed as a function of chromium content. The absorption bands are assigned to (4)A(2g)(F) -> T-4(1g)(F), (4)A(2g)(F) -> T-4(2g)(F), (4)A(2g)(F) -> T-2(1g)(G) and (4)A(2g)(F) -> E-2(g) (G) transitions of Cr3+ ions. The highest concentration of Cr3+ ions (in octahedral sites, with network modifying positions) is found in the sample with 2.0 mol% of Cr2O3. The analysis of dielectric properties indicates a gradual increase in semiconducting character with increase in the concentration of Cr2O3 from 0.2 to 2.0 mol%. The studies on dielectric breakdown strength identify the highest insulating strength for lowest mol% of Cr2O3 in the present samples. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.