It is not really shady. It is very clear that it is rigged as hell.
at 12 to 14 there is pretty much 80%+ chance you will draw 10 and bust.
at 18-20 there is more than 50% chance that the dealer will either match your number or get higher without busting. Hitting at 17+ and not busting is absolutely normal for the dealer. I have seen the AI hit at 20 and get an ace.
I pretty much just gave up this time because it is rigged to the point that you need to be extremely lucky with a good streak with 21 in it to get somewhere. Winning 3 times in a row is pretty much a mirracle now.
Add the fact that everyone except vip10+ can only bet 100 max and you are pretty much screwed because you need to win 3+ times in a row ideally with BJ in it to get somewhere.