* Saloon owners: With so many miners looking for a place to relax after a hard day's work, saloons were in high demand. The owners of these establishments often made a killing, especially if they were able to get their hands on liquor at a reasonable price.
* Gambling hall owners: Gambling was another popular pastime for miners, and those who owned gambling halls often made a lot of money.
* Brothel owners: Prostitution was a thriving business during the gold rush, and the owners of brothels made a lot of money catering to the needs of the miners.
* Land speculators: As the gold rush progressed, more and more people began to realize that the real money was in owning land. Those who were able to buy land in gold-rich areas often made a fortune when they sold it to miners.
* Miners: Of course, the miners themselves were the ones who most directly benefited from the gold rush. While many miners didn't make a fortune, some were able to strike it rich by finding large amounts of gold.