Er^(3+)-doped heavy metal borosilicate glasses were prepared using conventional melting and quenching method. The emission spectra of (4)^I_(13/2) → (4)^I_(15/2) transition were observed upon excitation at 974 nm and the lifetime of (4)^I_(13/2) level of Er^(3+) was measured. Based on these data, the fluorescence properties of Er^(3+) are investigated on the emission and gain characteristics at the 1.5 μm bands. In particular, the effect of relative heavy metal content on fluorescence properties is discussed.