Stepmalla I hope that the following helps you.

Maids - getting a good maid is hard - there are agencies who can help you. Best idea re bringing in your own maid is to contact immigration dept and the labour dept, I warn you there will be loads of red tape and hasstle with this.

Allocations for the Syndicate (or booze souk as commonly known) is based on salary and requires a 1000 Qr refundable deposit when you cancel the license. Spirits and wine are all under this license.

Playing cards - never heard of them being not allowed in the country, There are playing cards here.

Stepmalla. Hope this helps a little.